Asim Munir warned Trump: Pakistan fears militant resurgence.
The 560-mile (900km) border shared by Iran and Pakistan has long been a hotbed of militant activity, with both countries grappling with the presence of anti-state outfits operating on either side. Numerous anti-Iranian and anti-Pakistani groups have taken advantage of the rugged and largely unmonitored terrain, using it as a staging ground for cross-border attacks and insurgent operations.
These militant groups, often driven by sectarian, ethnic, or separatist agendas, have launched deadly strikes against civilian and military targets, further straining the already fragile diplomatic ties between Tehran and Islamabad. Iran has repeatedly accused Pakistan of harboring Sunni extremist groups responsible for attacking Iranian security forces in the Sistan-Baluchestan province. Conversely, Pakistan has raised concerns over Baloch separatist groups allegedly operating from Iranian territory.
Despite multiple rounds of security cooperation and intelligence-sharing agreements, the porous nature of the border and mutual distrust have hindered sustained counterterrorism efforts. Both nations recognize the strategic necessity of curbing these threats but remain cautious, wary of infringing upon each other’s sovereignty while navigating complex regional geopolitics.
According to a statement released by Pakistan’s military, the primary focus of the conversation centered on Pakistan’s concerns about growing instability along the Iran-Pakistan border. During the meeting, Munir reportedly told Trump that separatist and jihadist militant groups are already exploiting the porous and rugged border, and any collapse of authority or governance in Iran could provide these groups with a dangerous opportunity to grow and carry out cross-border violence. Pakistan is particularly concerned that chaos in Iran could spill over into its restive Balochistan province, which has historically struggled with militant separatist movements and security challenges.
Reuters reported that anti-Iranian and anti-Pakistani outfits are active on both sides of the 560-mile (900km) shared border, complicating efforts to secure the region. Militants with extremist ideologies or separatist aims frequently move across the border undetected, taking advantage of the difficult terrain and limited state presence. These groups have conducted attacks on security forces, infrastructure, and civilians, threatening not only internal stability but also Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations.
Pakistan fears that if the Iranian government were to weaken further—either due to internal unrest, sanctions, or foreign intervention—it would lead to a security vacuum that jihadist and separatist groups could easily exploit. Islamabad is also concerned about Israel’s increasingly aggressive posture toward Iran. Israeli officials have made no secret of their desire to see the current Iranian regime destabilized or toppled.
The fear is that such actions could embolden other nations to follow suit, disregarding international law and diplomatic norms in the pursuit of strategic or ideological goals. Pakistan, which maintains close ties with Iran, views any such attack as not only a violation of international sovereignty but also a direct threat to regional peace.
Following the lunch meeting, President Trump commented briefly to reporters, saying of the Pakistani delegation, “They’re not happy about anything,” referring to Pakistan’s deep unease over the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. Despite the light tone, Trump acknowledged the seriousness of the discussions held during the meeting.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also weighed in, with spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan issuing a stern condemnation of Israel’s military strikes against Iran.
The statement reflects Pakistan’s longstanding policy of supporting peaceful diplomatic solutions in the Middle East and resisting any moves that could destabilize the region. Given Pakistan’s own geopolitical position and history with cross-border insurgencies, the country is particularly sensitive to any developments that might worsen its own internal security environment.
The Trump-Munir meeting, though historic, is emblematic of the complex and shifting alliances shaping global politics today. While the United States continues to navigate its support for Israel, Pakistan is positioning itself as a regional stakeholder advocating for dialogue and stability. With Iran under increasing pressure, and with militant threats looming across its border, Pakistan appears to be bracing for a turbulent period ahead—one that could test its military readiness, diplomatic agility, and regional partnerships.