Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir has characterized his latest trip to the United States as marking a “new dimension” in bilateral relations, according to state-run PTV News reports on Sunday. The visit represents his second official journey to Washington in just six weeks, underscoring the accelerating diplomatic momentum between the two nations.
Historic Diplomatic Engagement
Field Marshal Munir is currently conducting high-level meetings with senior American political and military officials, as well as engaging with Pakistani diaspora communities. This follows his groundbreaking June visit, during which he became the first serving Pakistani army chief to meet face-to-face with a sitting US president when he had lunch with President Donald Trump.
Speaking to Pakistani expatriates in Tampa, Florida, the army chief emphasized the significance of the rapid diplomatic succession. “My second visit after a gap of just one and a half months marks a new dimension in Pak-US relations,” he stated, outlining his goal to establish “constructive, sustainable and positive” bilateral ties.
Regional Security Concerns
During his address, Field Marshal Munir leveled sharp criticism against India, challenging New Delhi’s aspirations to be viewed as a global leader. “India wants to present itself as a ‘Vishva Guru’ (global teacher), but in practice, it is nothing like that,” he declared.
The Pakistani military leader raised serious allegations about India’s intelligence activities, citing the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in what he termed “transnational terrorist activities.” He referenced several international incidents, including the killing of a Sikh leader in Canada, issues involving Indian naval officers in Qatar, and the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.
Kashmir and Counter-Terrorism
On the longstanding Kashmir dispute, Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan’s position that the region represents an “unfinished international agenda” rather than India’s internal matter. He invoked Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s description of Kashmir as the country’s “jugular vein” and reaffirmed support for UN Security Council resolutions on the territory.
Addressing terrorism threats, the army chief identified Afghanistan-based groups, including what Pakistan terms “Fitna-al-Khawarij” (referring to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan), as active threats against Pakistani interests. He positioned Pakistan as the “last bulwark against terrorism,” promising zero tolerance for terrorist activities.
Economic Cooperation and Investment
Field Marshal Munir highlighted promising economic prospects, including potential trade agreements with the United States that could generate substantial investment opportunities. He noted ongoing implementation of multiple memorandums of understanding with the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and China aimed at boosting economic cooperation.
The army chief praised overseas Pakistanis as representing “brain gain” rather than brain drain, acknowledging their vital role in the country’s development and international standing.
Military Ceremonies and Social Media Concerns
During his Tampa visit, Field Marshal Munir participated in significant US military ceremonies, attending the retirement of outgoing Central Command (Centcom) Commander General Michael E. Kurilla and the change of command ceremony for incoming Admiral Brad Cooper.
He also addressed contemporary challenges posed by social media, warning that “anti-state elements are using it to create engineered chaos” while acknowledging the platform’s power as a communication tool.
The visit underscores Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its strategic partnership with the United States while navigating complex regional security challenges and pursuing enhanced economic cooperation.
