Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is set to visit the United States this week to participate in celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the US Army in Washington, D.C., according to top sources.
Munir has reportedly accepted an invitation from Washington and will attend a military parade in the US capital on Saturday, which coincides with former US President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. During his visit, Munir is also expected to hold meetings with senior officials from the US State Department and the Pentagon. However, neither Pakistan nor the US has officially confirmed these high-level engagements.
His visit comes amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions and follows recent praise from a top US military official. At a congressional hearing, General Michael Kurilla, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), described Pakistan as “a phenomenal partner in the counterterrorism world” and acknowledged Islamabad’s efforts in combatting ISIS-Khorasan.
South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman commented that a stopover at CENTCOM might also be part of Munir’s itinerary. “He and Gen Kurilla have met three times in less than two years. Kurilla praised him yesterday in Hill testimony. US-Pak officer-to-officer ties are generally strong,” Kugelman tweeted.
Strong Reactions in India and Pakistani Diaspora Protests
Munir’s anticipated visit has sparked criticism in India. Congress party’s communications chief, Jairam Ramesh, described it as “another huge diplomatic setback for India.”
“This is the man who spoke in such incendiary and provocative language just before the Pahalgam terror attacks. What is the US really up to?” Ramesh posted on social media.
The Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor and ramp up diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan. Indian delegations have since visited 33 capitals worldwide, including European Union members, for anti-terror diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Munir’s arrival in Washington is expected to be met with protests by the Pakistani diaspora. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has announced demonstrations during the army chief’s visit.
“Let the White House know that any deal with this government is not acceptable to the people of Pakistan,” tweeted PTI’s Secretary for Overseas Affairs, Sajjad Burki. He has called for a protest outside the Pakistan Embassy in Washington on June 14.
Pamphlets urging mass mobilisation have reportedly been circulated in Pakistani-American neighbourhoods across the city.
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