Kashmir Pakistan’s Jugular Vein: A Foolish Thought – OpEdGlobal Travel Guides

Pakistani Army Chief, General Munir said recently which could the precursor to the Pahalgam Terror Attack killing 28 Hindus on April 22, after a shameful identification parade: “Our stance is absolutely clear – Kashmir is our ‘Jugular Vein’, we will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle.”

Munir urged the audience to pass down Pakistan’s narrative to future generations. He also defended the two-nation theory, the ideological foundation for the creation of Pakistan in 1947. “Our forefathers thought that we are different from the Hindus in every aspect of life. Our religions, our customs, traditions, thoughts and ambitions are different. That was the foundation of the two-nation theory.”

The phrase “Kashmir is Pakistan’s Jugular Vein” is a famous quote attributed to Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. However, when Pakistan was created in 1947, he did not speak of an Islamic State and declared that non-Muslims would be equal citizens in the new country.

Pakistan’s enduring identification crisis is rooted in its foundational paradox — a state created in the name of religion, yet grappling with the complexities of ethnicity, language, and regional loyalties. While Islam was envisioned as the unifying force, it has struggled to fully bridge the divides among Punjabis, Sindhis, Baloch, Pashtuns, and others. The Kashmir issue, often invoked as a symbol of national unity and ideological continuity, underscores this tension — serving both as a rallying cry and a distraction from internal fragmentation. As leadership reaffirms slogans like “Jugular Vein,” the deeper question remains: what truly binds the nation together beyond inherited enmity and unresolved identity?

Medically Jugular Veins are major veins in the neck that drain blood from the head, brain, face, and neck, and return it to the heart. The jugular veins are critical components of the circulatory system, especially when it comes to returning blood from the head to the heart. These veins are clinically significant because they can provide clues about the functioning of the heart – the key sign in diagnosing heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions. So how is Pakistan labelling “Kashmir is Pakistan’s Jugular Vein” when it has never been part of the Pakistan’s body?

The phrase “Kashmir is Pakistan’s Jugular Vein” is one of the most politically charged metaphors in Pakistan’s geopolitics. It was popularized by Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah and later echoed by various political and military leaders in Pakistan.

Geostrategic Importance (Geography and Water Dependency) Kashmir shares a border with China and Pakistan China friendship; “Pak-China friendship higher than Himalayas, deeper than ocean, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel.” BRI and CPEC projects have further enhanced the strategic importance of Kashmir for Pakistan. The CPEC is a key flagship project component of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive network of roads, bridges and the Gwadar port. Beijing hopes to recreate the ancient Silk Road trade routes linking Europe and Asia.

The Indus River System, which is Pakistan’s primary water source, passes through Ladakh-Kashmir.

Over 80% of Pakistan’s agricultural land relies on water from rivers that flow from Kashmir into Pakistan.
Control over this water makes Kashmir vital for Pakistan’s agriculture, economy, and survival — hence, “Jugular Vein,” a lifeline metaphor for Pakistan’s survival.

Ideological Claims (Religious Basis of Partition)
Pakistan was formed on the basis of being a homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent. At the time of Partition, Kashmir was a Muslim-majority princely state ruled by a Hindu Maharaja. From the Two-Nation Theory perspective, Pakistan argued that Muslim-majority areas should have joined Pakistan, so Kashmir “naturally” belonged to Pakistan. Even though Kashmir wasn’t part of Pakistan at independence, Pakistan perception is that “Kashmir is a natural part” of its identity and ideological foundation?

Political Symbolism and National Narrative
“Kashmir is Pakistan’s Jugular Vein”- The phrase has been weaponized politically and emotionally within Pakistan to Galvanize support for the Kashmir cause. Justify military and political engagement and frame India as an oppressor of Muslims It serves as a National Rallying Cry more than a legal or factual statement.

Historical Counterpoints
Kashmir was not part of Pakistan at the time of its creation.

The Maharaja of Kashmir signed the Instrument of Accession to India in 1947.
Pakistan’s involvement in Kashmir began with an invasion by tribal forces and later the military in October 1947.

So, from a legal-historical perspective, the phrase “Kashmir Is Pakistan’s Jugular Vein” is not a statement of fact, doesn’t hold factual ground — it’s more about strategic, emotional perception and Pakistan’s National Rallying Cry despite it never has been part of Pakistan historically as Pakistan was only created in 1947. The ‘Jugular Vein’ metaphor has often fueled a militaristic narrative, justifying endless hostility resulting in three wars and ongoing tension, weakening both countries economically and socially.

In conclusion, if Pakistan and it’s Army Chief, General Munir, considers Kashmir the ‘Jugular Vein’ of the country—vital for its survival due to the livelihood sustained by the Indus waters that flows through India before entering Pakistan then it is in Pakistan’s best interest to foster good neighbourly relations. Maintaining peaceful ties with India would help ensure the continued and unhindered flow of these critical waters for the survival of their populace. “Kashmir Is Pakistan’s Jugular Vein” is just a National Rallying Cry and the voice from which Pakistan seeks to draw Military, Political and Religious power to divert attention to its internal issues. Pakistan needs to stop clinging to these outdated rhetorical metaphors and move forward with reality.