Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir Issues Nuclear Threat Against India During US Visit, Warns of Taking 'Half the World Down' Over Existential Risks

In a brazen escalation of rhetoric, Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir issued a stark nuclear threat against India during a private dinner in Tampa, Florida, on August 10, 2025.

Speaking at an event hosted by Pakistan's honorary consul Adnan Asad, Munir warned that if Pakistan perceives an existential threat, "we'll take half the world down with us." He specifically targeted India's adherence to the Indus Waters Treaty, vowing to destroy any new Indian dam with "10 missiles," potentially starving 250 million Pakistanis.

"“We will wait for India to build a dam, and when it does so, phir 10 missile sey faarigh kar dengey [we will destroy it with 10 missiles].”, he was quoted as saying.

“I am going to use a crude analogy to explain the situation,” the Field Marshall was cited as saying. “India is shining Mercedes coming on a highway like Ferrari [sic], but we are a dump truck full of gravel. If the truck hits the car, who is going to be the loser?”

This marks Munir's second US visit in two months, following a June meeting with President Donald Trump. The comments, first reported by The Print and corroborated by outlets like Hindustan Times and News18, have drawn sharp criticism in India.

Analysts view this as a desperate bid to rally domestic support amid Pakistan's economic woes, with inflation at 12% and foreign reserves dipping below $9 billion as per recent IMF data.

It is noteworthy that Munir's previous provocative statements were followed by Pakistan sponsored deadly Pahalgam terror attack on Indian civilians in early 2025.

That incident, claiming 26 lives, triggered India's Operation Sindhoor—a retaliatory drone and missile campaign against Pakistani bases—culminating in a May 10, 2025, ceasefire after three days of intense clashes, the first drone battle between nuclear-armed neighbours.