Army Chief Gen Syed Asim Munir has stepped into the spotlight following a deadly attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, with the American newspaper New York Times acknowledging his decisive leadership in shaping Pakistan’s response to the mounting tensions with India.

According to a report published on Monday, The New York Times noted that Gen Munir — once known for keeping a low public profile — has taken a prominent role in addressing recent cross-border developments, particularly after more than two dozen Hindu pilgrims were killed in the Pahalgam area nearly two weeks ago.

The newspaper reported that during recent military exercises, Gen Munir climbed atop a tank to address Pakistani troops, vowing a firm and unambiguous response to any military adventurism by India.

“There should be no ambiguity that any misadventure will be met with a prompt, determined, and forceful response,” the Army Chief was quoted as saying.

The US publication highlighted the general’s evolution from a behind-the-scenes figure to a central voice in Pakistan’s strategic and political stance, especially in matters involving India. It added that his recent statements signal a shift in Islamabad’s tone and reflect a more assertive military posture under his command.

General Munir, who took over the reins of the Pakistan Army in November 2022, is widely regarded as a firm believer in the two-nation theory and has often warned against the ideological leanings of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which he sees as hostile to Muslims in the region.

The newspaper quoted analysts who describe Gen Munir as a “hard-liner” on India, a perspective informed by his past roles heading Pakistan’s premier intelligence agencies — the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI). His views, the report notes, are rooted in the belief that the long-standing dispute between the two South Asian neighbours is fundamentally religious in nature.

The New York Times noted that Gen Munir’s increased public engagement and high-stakes rhetoric come at a time when pressure is mounting in New Delhi for a robust response to the Kashmir incident. His presence atop a tank during drills was described as a symbolic gesture reflecting Pakistan’s readiness to respond militarily if required.

Earlier, the US Central Command’s official journal Unipath had also acknowledged Gen Munir’s contributions to national security, terming him a “powerful voice against extremism” and commending his efforts for socio-economic development, counterterrorism, and regional stability.

“Gen Munir will be remembered as a leader whose first commitment was the security, stability and prosperity of Pakistan,” the journal stated in a 2024 report.

Since assuming command, Gen Munir has been at the forefront of several initiatives aimed at combating militancy, strengthening economic resilience, and fostering international partnerships. His leadership, the article suggests, marks a departure from the traditional behind-the-scenes role typically maintained by army chiefs.

The article by New York Times correspondent Salman Masood, reporting from Islamabad, comes amid heightened tensions in South Asia and serves as a rare international spotlight on the internal dynamics of Pakistan’s civil-military power balance.