Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has launched a blistering attack on Pakistan army chief Asim Munir, calling for him to be banned from entering the United States after his recent ‘nuclear threat’ remarks during a visit to America.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Rubin said Pakistan’s threats on US soil were “completely unacceptable” and raised doubts over whether the country could fulfil the responsibilities of a state. He suggested it may be time for Pakistan’s statehood to be reconsidered.
“The Field Marshal’s rhetoric is reminiscent of what we heard from Osama bin Laden,” Rubin said. “Asim Munir is Osama bin Laden in a suit.”
The remarks came after Munir’s address at an event in Tampa, Florida, where he reportedly declared, “We are a nuclear nation. If we think we are going down, we'll take half the world down with us.”
Rubin argued that US generals’ decision not to walk out of meetings with Munir “should be a cause for resignation.” He urged Washington to strip Pakistan of its status as a major non-NATO ally, designate it a state sponsor of terrorism, and remove it from US Central Command.
“Asim Munir should be persona non grata in the USA and never receive an American visa — along with any Pakistani official — until Pakistan explains itself and apologises,” Rubin added.
India condemns ‘nuclear sabre-rattling’
India also strongly criticised Munir’s statement, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) calling it a clear example of Pakistan’s “persistent nuclear sabre-rattling.”
The MEA said the remarks “underscore doubts about the integrity of Pakistan’s nuclear command and control,” particularly given a military establishment “hand-in-glove with terrorist groups.”
Calling the comments “regrettable,” the ministry noted they were made on the soil of a friendly third country. India reiterated that it would not yield to nuclear blackmail and would take all necessary steps to safeguard national security.