Pak Army Chief threatens to target Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery

Jamnagar: Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, in a speech where he also threatened nuclear action against India, reportedly hinted at targeting Reliance Industries Ltd’s Jamnagar refinery, the world’s largest single-site refining complex located in Gujarat, as a potential target in any future military confrontation with New Delhi.

This marks the first time Pakistan’s military leadership has openly indicated an intent to strike India’s economic infrastructure, particularly key oil facilities.

Speaking at a formal event in Tampa, Florida, Munir referenced a social media post featuring a Quranic verse alongside a photo of RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani. He reportedly said he authorized this message during the recent conflict to warn India “about what we will do next time,” according to attendees at the private gathering.

The verse, from Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant), the 105th chapter of the Quran, is often interpreted as describing an aerial attack, linking it symbolically to modern warfare. The post triggered widespread discussion, especially since Ambani, India’s richest person with a net worth exceeding $115 billion, heads a vast conglomerate spanning oil, telecom, and retail sectors.

India constantly monitors potential military threats to its critical economic installations, especially those in border areas or within reach of Pakistan’s air force. Intelligence agencies have previously reported threats from Pakistan-based terror groups targeting facilities like the Jamnagar refinery.

Munir singled out Ambani to underscore the significance of RIL as a symbol of India’s economic strength and potential. While other oil and industrial sites may also be vulnerable, the Jamnagar refinery stands out due to its massive scale — it processes about 33 million tonnes of crude annually, accounting for roughly 12% of India’s total refining capacity. The complex is a key exporter of petroleum products and a vital asset in India’s energy infrastructure. DeshGujarat