Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has hailed overseas Pakistanis as a national asset and a symbol of dignity. Speaking during his visit to the United States, he rejected the label “brain drain” and instead called them a “brain gain” for the nation.
The army chief addressed the Pakistani diaspora, saying they are as committed to the country as those living within its borders. He urged them to believe in Pakistan’s bright future and to help attract foreign investment. According to him, the country’s prosperity is closely tied to the Pakistani community abroad, whose loyalty and service are a matter of record. He also reminded that overseas Pakistanis have always stepped forward first in times of natural disasters.
During an interactive session, Field Marshal Munir discussed regional issues. He said India wants to project itself as a “Vishwa Guru” or world leader, but the reality is different. He accused India’s intelligence agency of involvement in cross-border terrorist activities. He cited examples such as the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, the trial of eight Indian naval officers in Qatar, and the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav in Balochistan.
Condemning recent Indian aggression, he called it a disgraceful act carried out under false claims. He stressed that the violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty had pushed the region to the edge of a dangerous war. He warned that any miscalculation could trigger a major conflict. The COAS said Pakistan had fought and won a strong diplomatic battle against India’s discriminatory and double-faced policies.
He explained that Pakistan’s firm and measured response prevented a wider escalation. However, he warned that India still seeks to create instability in the region. The army chief expressed gratitude to former US President Donald Trump, saying his strategic decisions not only stopped a Pakistan-India war but also helped prevent other global crises.
Field Marshal Munir said his second US visit in less than two months reflected a new phase in Pakistan-US ties, with a focus on a positive and sustainable direction. He expressed optimism about large investments coming after a potential trade deal between the two nations. He added that work is already underway on multiple agreements with China, the US, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to boost economic cooperation and investment.
He also spoke about the need to understand the thinking and priorities of the younger generation. “Our 64% youth population holds great potential and will shape the country’s future,” he said.
On Kashmir, the COAS stated that Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) is not India’s internal matter. He called it an unfinished agenda item for the international community. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance that Kashmir is its lifeline and that the country fully supports United Nations Security Council resolutions on the dispute.
He declared there would be no leniency for terrorists, who would face justice with full force. He also warned about anti-state elements using social media to spread unrest. He said several terrorist groups, including the “Khawarij” from Afghanistan — a term Pakistan uses for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — remain active against the country.
During his trip, Field Marshal Munir met top political and military officials. In Tampa, he attended the farewell ceremony for outgoing US Centcom Commander General Michael E. Kurilla and the change of command ceremony for Admiral Brad Cooper.
This visit followed his earlier official trip to the US in June, when he met President Trump over lunch. Since then, Pakistan and the US have finalised a long-awaited trade deal. Trump confirmed the agreement on social media, saying both countries will work together to develop Pakistan’s vast oil reserves and are selecting a leading oil company for the project.
The army chief’s words and actions reinforced his belief that overseas Pakistanis will remain central to Pakistan’s progress. He urged them to stand firm, invest in the homeland, and continue being a source of pride for the nation.