Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir Threatens Ambani’s Jamnagar Refinery During US Visit

In a dramatic escalation, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has openly threatened to target Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat one of India’s most critical economic assets in the event of future military conflict with India. Speaking at a formal dinner gathering in Tampa, Florida, Munir referenced a social media post depicting Mukesh Ambani alongside a Quranic verse, claiming he personally approved it “to show them what we will do next time,” according to reports quoting witnesses from the event.

The verse, taken from Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant), is widely interpreted as an allegory for aerial strikes in today’s military context. Historically, it recounts the destruction of an invading army by divine intervention, symbolized by birds dropping stones of baked clay a metaphor that, according to media sources, Munir used to signal his intent to strike a vital part of India’s oil infrastructure.

Targeting Ambani and the Jamnagar refinery which processes about 12% of India’s total refining capacity Munir appeared to single out a figure and facility emblematic of India’s economic strength. This is the first time a top Pakistani military leader has publicly suggested striking India’s energy assets in such explicit terms.

During his address to the Pakistani diaspora, Munir also issued a nuclear threat, declaring that Pakistan would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons if faced with an existential threat in a future war with India. India’s Ministry of External Affairs swiftly condemned Munir’s “nuclear sabre-rattling,” asserting that New Delhi would not yield to nuclear blackmail and reaffirming its commitment to national security. The ministry also highlighted broader concerns regarding Pakistan’s nuclear command integrity and the military’s ties with terrorist groups.

Responding to India’s condemnation, Pakistan’s Foreign Office rejected the remarks from New Delhi as “immature,” fueling further diplomatic tension. Munir’s high-profile US tour included meetings with top American military and civilian officials, as well as engagement with the Pakistani diaspora, underscoring Islamabad’s bid to reinforce defense and security ties with Washington amidst ongoing regional challenges.

Munir’s threats and rhetoric have stoked global concerns about stability in South Asia, with India maintaining heightened vigilance over strategic assets along its border and beyond.