Filed Marshal Asim Munir is visiting the United States in next couple of days, a daily English newspaper reported on Thursday.
It will be his second tour to the US within two months. He lastly visited the States in June. US President Donald Trump hosted the dinner in Chief of Army Staff’s honour, a rare gesture of honour for Pakistan’s military leadership. However, the detailed of the meeting which held in absence of Pakistan’s civilian leadership never came out. Trump, later, showered praised on him, describing Pakistan as key ally. There was much chat on Trump-Munir meeting in India. Many in Pakistan, called it an insult to the civilian government in Pakistan, raising questions on US democratic credentials.
Indian media and analysts have raised eyebrows over the recent development, amid ongoing tension between New Delhi and Washington of tariff issue.
COAS Munir is leaving for US after General Michael Erik Kurilla, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) trip to Pakistan. The government has also conferred him Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military). Reports say, Senate of Pakistan delegation will also accompany him.
The Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR) has not issued any statement on Field Marshal’s expected visit to the US. But media reported he will attend the change-of-command ceremony at U.S. CENTCOM. The CENTCOM oversees American military interests in Asia and Africa. Reports say, Senate of Pakistan delegation will also accompany him.
Pakistan Military is considered traditional ally of the US. But, it has maintained balance by developing key strategic partnership with China, particularly in past two-three decades. Amid the post-Iran-Israel-war developments in the region, the visit of COAS holds key importance. Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian has recently visited Pakistan. He met with President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed bilateral relations. Worsening security situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also concerning for military leadership in Pakistan. Analysts believe COAS and US military leadership will discuss important security developments and ties between the two nations during the former stay in the US.
