Trump to meet Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir.
Reports of an upcoming meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir have surfaced, sparking considerable attention. Army’s 250th-anniversary celebrations. This unexpected turn has raised questions about the nature and agenda of the meeting, especially given the current geopolitical climate. Analysts suggest the discussion may center around regional security, counterterrorism cooperation, and military diplomacy. Neither side has issued an official statement, leaving room for speculation about the political and strategic implications of the meeting.
Washington: Trump to Host Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir Amid Rising Tensions and Protests
Former US President Donald Trump is set to host Pakistan’s powerful Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at the White House on Wednesday (local time), in a high-profile and controversial meeting amid a volatile regional backdrop. According to the official presidential schedule, the lunch meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in the White House’s Cabinet Room.
The reports of the meeting have sparked considerable attention, particularly as they come just days after the White House officially denied that General Munir had been invited to the US Army’s 250th-anniversary celebrations held on June 14. This contradicts earlier reports suggesting Munir would be attending the parade as a foreign military dignitary. The White House’s denial had led to speculation regarding the nature of his visit, which is now being officially described as “primarily bilateral in nature.”
General Munir arrived in Washington on Sunday for a five-day official trip. During his stay, he is also expected to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Beyond regional geopolitics, Munir’s visit also follows a devastating terror attack in India’s Jammu and Kashmir. On April 22, a brutal assault targeting tourists in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians. The massacre drew sharp condemnation from India and significantly escalated tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar did not mince words in his reaction. Speaking to reporters last month, Jaishankar linked the Pahalgam attack directly to what he described as General Munir’s “extreme religious outlook.” He stated, “To understand that.
Despite the growing hostility, the situation saw a brief thaw when Pakistan extended a ceasefire proposal to India. Former President Trump was quick to take credit for mediating the de-escalation, stating that he used trade leverage to encourage both nations to step back. However, Indian authorities were quick to reject any claims of US involvement in the ceasefire agreement, maintaining that no third-party mediation took place.
While Munir’s visit is officially framed as a diplomatic effort to stabilise US-Pakistan military relations, it has also triggered significant controversy, particularly among members of the Pakistani diaspora in the United States. Outside the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, where the Army Chief is staying, dozens of protesters gathered to voice their opposition.
The demonstrators, reportedly supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, held placards and chanted slogans condemning Munir. They accused him of overseeing human rights abuses and labeled him as the “Pakistanio ke qatil” (killer of Pakistanis) and “Islamabad ke Katil” (killer from Islamabad). The protests turned the luxury hotel into a scene of political unrest.
In one viral video clip, a protester could be heard shouting “Geedad, geedad, geedad” — a derogatory Urdu phrase meaning “jackal” — aimed at questioning Munir’s bravery and integrity. The video quickly made rounds on social media, igniting further debate about the Pakistani military’s role in the country’s internal politics and human rights record.
The timing and optics of Munir’s meeting with Trump are seen by analysts as significant. The former US President, known for his unconventional diplomatic approaches, has frequently expressed interest in engaging with South Asian military leaders and mediating regional conflicts. However, his association with Munir, especially in the wake of India’s strong statements and the recent terror attack, may have far-reaching implications.
As the high-stakes meeting unfolds in Washington, both American and South Asian observers are watching closely to see what strategic outcomes emerge. Will this mark a turning point in US-Pakistan military ties, or will it deepen existing regional rifts? Only time will tell, but for now, all eyes remain on the White House.