In a surprising diplomatic development, US President Donald Trump is set to host Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for lunch at the White House this Wednesday. The meeting which will take place in the Cabinet Room is closed to media coverage but has caught global attention due to its timing and symbolism.
In Islamabad, officials are celebrating this invitation as a major diplomatic achievement especially since Indian leaders recently held a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance. Indian media had painted that meeting as a win by implying Pakistan had failed to secure similar attention. Munir’s White House meeting now shifts that narrative in Pakistan’s favor and giving it a stronger position on the global stage.
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This development also follows heightened tensions between Pakistan and India. Last month, an air combat incident pushed both nuclear-armed neighbors dangerously close to a conflict. Munir’s ongoing five-day official visit to the US now seems to be part of a wider diplomatic push by Pakistan to regain international support.
Speaking to the Pakistani-American community in Washington earlier this week, Field Marshal Munir called on India to act like a civilized nation rather than trying to dominate the region. He rejected Indian allegations that Pakistan was behind a terrorist attack in Pahalgam and accused New Delhi of trying to create a new normal by repeatedly violating international borders.
“We will never accept such disrespect,” he said passionately by adding that Pakistanis would rather embrace martyrdom than surrender their dignity.
The event was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown where a large number of overseas Pakistanis turned up to greet him with rose petals and chants of praise.
Munir also shared Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Iran conflict during the event. He reaffirmed strong support for Iran in its war against Israel while also welcoming efforts by the United States to reduce tensions. “We want this war to end as soon as possible,” he said.
In another statement to the US Senate, Gen Kurilla confirmed that Pakistan had conducted dozens of anti-terror operations and continues to play a critical role in maintaining stability in South and Central Asia. He noted that although the Taliban had pushed many militants into Pakistani border areas, Pakistan had taken strong action to stop them from planning attacks including ones targeting the US.
Addressing overseas Pakistanis, Munir appreciated their role in supporting Pakistan’s economy. He dismissed concerns about brain drain, calling it a “brain gain” instead and highlighted how professionals abroad can still benefit the country.
When politics came up during the community session, Munir avoided controversial statements. He discouraged criticism of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and responded calmly to a guest’s political joke by saying that every democratic society must respect the right to differ and dissent.
Also read this: PM Shehbaz & UN Chief Talk Again on Rising Tensions Between Pakistan and India
