Field Marshal Asim Munir is set to hold an important meeting with former US President Donald Trump later today in Washington. According to official sources, the two will meet at 10 pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST) in the Cabinet Room of the White House. The session is scheduled over lunch and is part of Asim Munir’s ongoing official visit to the United States.
On the day prior, Asim Munir met with overseas Pakistanis in Washington, DC. During this engagement, he praised the Pakistani diaspora for their continued contributions to the country’s economy and image. He acknowledged their roles in sending remittances, investing in national development, and excelling in various fields across the globe. The ISPR confirmed these remarks and highlighted their significance.
This visit carries extra weight because of the recent armed confrontation between Pakistan and India. The conflict followed the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi blamed Islamabad for the incident but failed to present any evidence. The accusations sparked a series of intense cross-border attacks between the two nuclear powers.
The clashes lasted for 87 hours. During this time, Pakistan suffered the loss of 40 civilians and 13 security personnel. In response to Indian aggression, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. The operation involved the downing of six Indian Air Force fighter jets, including three Rafales.
Eventually, the violent escalation came to an end on May 10, when both countries agreed to a ceasefire. The United States, under the guidance of Donald Trump, played a central role in mediating the peace. Trump’s efforts not only stopped the fighting but also opened up space for diplomacy.
In addition to arranging the ceasefire, Trump offered to mediate the Kashmir dispute. Both Islamabad and New Delhi have since started diplomatic efforts to justify their positions to the international community. Pakistan’s campaign is being led by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, a former foreign minister and chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He is heading a nine-member parliamentary team visiting several countries. Their mission is to counter India’s narrative and share Pakistan’s version of the events that took place.
The timing of Asim Munir’s trip also coincides with rising instability in the Middle East. Israel’s attack on Tehran triggered a strong Iranian response, leading to an ongoing war. This regional crisis adds another layer of urgency to the talks in Washington.
Apart from India and Kashmir, counter-terrorism is a major point of interest in the US-Pakistan relationship. Recently, General Michael Kurilla, the head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), called Pakistan a “phenomenal partner” in the fight against terrorism. He applauded the country’s military operations against Daesh-Khorasan and other terrorist groups.
General Kurilla’s praise echoed Trump’s earlier comments. The former president had acknowledged Pakistan’s role in arresting a Daesh militant who was involved in the Abbey Gate bombing during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. That attack killed 13 American soldiers and around 170 Afghans at Kabul Airport in 2021.
As Field Marshal Asim Munir meets Trump today, the world will be watching closely. This meeting not only signals growing military and diplomatic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States but also shows how Pakistan’s top military leader is becoming a key figure in regional peace and global security.