No Difference Between Pakistan Army Chief and Bin Laden: Former U.S. Official

The recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has drawn sharp international criticism. In the aftermath of the incident, former U.S. Department of Defense official Michael Rubin made controversial remarks targeting Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir.

Michael Rubin alleged that there is little difference between General Asim Munir and Osama bin Laden, the former Al-Qaeda chief and notorious terrorist. "Osama bin Laden once operated from a cave, while Pakistan’s current Army Chief, Asim Munir, resides in a luxurious palace. That is the only significant difference between the two," Rubin stated.

Strongly condemning the Pahalgam attack, Rubin noted that such incidents have occurred in the past as well. He recalled that during former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s visit to India, a similar terrorist strike took place in Kashmir. Now, during the visit of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to India, terrorists once again targeted tourists, he pointed out.

Rubin rejected Pakistan’s claims that it had no involvement in the Pahalgam attack and that the incident was purely local. “No matter how many such theatrics Pakistan stages, the world is well aware of the true nature of the country,” Rubin said. Emphasizing the need for an American response to the attack, he urged the U.S. government to immediately designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism. He also called for General Asim Munir to be recognized as an international terrorist.

The timing of the Pahalgam attack following recent remarks by General Asim Munir has also raised concerns. Speaking at an Overseas Pakistanis Convention, General Munir stated, “Kashmir has always been and will remain our lifeline. We can never forget it. We will never abandon our Kashmiri brothers in their struggle.” Given his well-known anti-India stance, international observers are now discussing whether these remarks may have incited the Pahalgam attack.