Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif Sharpen PoK Rhetoric: India Has No Option

• Pakistan's leadership, including PM Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, has intensified rhetoric on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), raising concerns about friction with India.
• Munir reportedly promoted jihad and declared "Kashmir will be liberated soon" during an LoC visit, praising military readiness and reiterating support for Kashmiri self-determination.
• Sharif echoed this hardline stance, stating India has "no option" but to grant self-determination and accusing India of "aggressive, expansionist designs."
• Intelligence sources indicate this rhetoric increases tension, infiltration attempts, and violence near the LoC, impacting civilians.
• Locals in PoK view these aggressive statements as "political messaging," fearing economic disruption, loss of lives, and damage to tourism, education, and employment.