- Home
- Live Blog
- Breaking News
- Top Headlines
- Cities
- NE News
- Sentinel Media
- Sports
- Education
- Jobs
Washington: In an eyebrow-raising moment during his visit to the United States, Pakistan’s de facto military ruler General Asim Munir likened India to a “shining Mercedes” and Pakistan to a “dump truck full of gravel” — an analogy that has sparked widespread ridicule and backlash online.
Speaking at a special dinner hosted by Adnan Asad, the honorary consul in Tampa, Florida, Munir attempted to frame Pakistan as rugged and potentially dangerous, despite India's polished global image. “India is a 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?” he said.
Though meant to highlight Pakistan’s perceived might despite its lack of sophistication, the analogy has been widely interpreted as an unintended admission of India’s superior status in the global arena.
The remark quickly went viral, with social media users across both sides of the border mocking the comparison, saying Munir inadvertently acknowledged India's global standing while exposing Pakistan’s own governance and economic shortcomings.
Making matters worse, Munir went on to warn of nuclear war, claiming Pakistan could take down “half the world” if its existence was threatened. He also spoke of the country's untapped oil and mineral reserves as potential saviours of Pakistan’s ailing economy.
The incident adds to the growing concerns over Pakistan’s military leadership’s influence in politics and foreign policy, while also highlighting the fragility of its diplomatic messaging on global platforms.