Islamabad, April 28, 2025 – The Pakistan Army is grappling with an unprecedented wave of resignations, with 4,500 soldiers and 250 officers reportedly leaving their posts over the past two days, according to sources within the military. This mass exodus comes in the wake of heightened tensions with India following the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians and injured 17 others on April 22.
The resignations are said to be driven by growing fears among military personnel of a potential Indian military retaliation, with many soldiers and officers citing concerns over an imminent conflict. A classified advisory from Major General Faisal Mehmood Malik has raised alarms about declining morale and increasing unrest within the ranks, urging troops to remain steadfast. Additionally, a letter from Lieutenant General Umar Bukhari, Commander of the 11th Corps, to Army Chief General Asim Munir has circulated widely on social media, warning that plummeting morale could render the army ineffective in the event of war.
The Pahalgam attack, attributed by India to Pakistan-based militant groups, has escalated diplomatic and military tensions. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and vowed strong action, further fueling panic among Pakistani troops. Reports indicate that families of soldiers are urging their loved ones to return home, exacerbating the crisis.
Social media platforms, despite restrictions on X in Pakistan, have seen an outpouring of public discontent, with hashtags like #ResignAsimMunir and #PakistanUnderMilitaryFascism trending. Critics, including retired Pakistani officer Adil Raja, have accused the military of perpetuating cross-border terrorism to maintain its grip on power.
The Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office has attempted to quell speculation about internal discord, releasing a photograph of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with General Munir at an event in Abbottabad on April 26. However, the resignations continue unabated, raising serious concerns about the army’s operational readiness.
As Pakistan braces for potential Indian reprisals, the military’s leadership faces mounting pressure to address the crisis and restore confidence among its ranks. The international community, including Iran and the United States, has called for restraint, but the situation remains volatile.
