Key Points

Trump hosts Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir at the White House amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The meeting follows controversy over Pakistan's alleged role in a Kashmir terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Protesters in Washington labeled Munir a "human rights abuser," while India's Jaishankar linked his religious views to the violence. The visit aims to stabilize military ties despite political backlash.

Key Points: Trump Hosts Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir Amid Iran-Israel Tensions

  • Trump meets Munir amid Iran-Israel conflict escalation
  • Munir's visit follows Kashmir terror attack controversy
  • Protesters in DC label him "Pakistanio ke qatil"
  • Jaishankar links Pahalgam attack to Munir's ideology
3 min read

Trump to meet Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir over lunch

Trump meets Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir at White House as protests erupt in Washington over Kashmir terror links and human rights concerns.

"To understand that, you have to see that on the Pakistani side, especially their Army chief, who is driven by an extreme religious outlook. – S. Jaishankar"

Washington, June 18

US President Donald Trump will host Pakistan's Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at the White House on Wednesday (local time).

The lunch meeting is scheduled to take place at 1:00 p.m. in the White House's Cabinet Room, as per the official presidential schedule.

The reports of the meeting come just days after the White House denied that Munir was invited to the US Army's 250th-anniversary celebrations held on June 14, contradicting earlier claims of his attendance at the parade.

Munir, who arrived in Washington on Sunday for a five-day official trip, is also expected to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to Pakistani daily Dawn.

The visit has been described as "primarily bilateral in nature" and aimed at reinforcing military and strategic ties between the two nations.

This meeting also comes amid the escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, a conflict that entered its sixth consecutive day. While Trump demanded "unconditional surrender" from Iran, the Pakistani Army chief had earlier expressed support for Tehran.

This is Munir's first official trip to the United States since the April 22 terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians.

The attack, claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's offshoot, The Resistance Front, drew strong condemnation from India and heightened tensions with Pakistan.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar linked the Pahalgam massacre to what he termed as the Pakistani Army Chief's "extreme religious outlook."

Speaking to reporters last month, Jaishankar asserted, "To understand that, you have to see that on the Pakistani side, especially their Army chief, who is driven by an extreme religious outlook. There is clearly some connection between the views that were expressed and the manner the attack was carried out."

The conflict subsided after Pakistan reached out to India with a ceasefire proposal.

Trump had claimed credit for brokering the truce, stating that he used trade leverage to encourage both parties to step back.

However, New Delhi swiftly denied that the United States played any mediatory role.

While Munir's visit is being presented as an effort to stabilise military ties, it has not been without controversy. Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan staged a protest outside the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, where Munir is staying.

The protesters, chanting slogans and accusing him of human rights abuses, labelled the Army Chief as the "Pakistanio ke qatil" and "Islamabad ke Katil," turning the luxury hotel into an impromptu demonstration site.

One protester was heard shouting "Geedad, geedad, geedad (jackal, jackal, jackal)" -- a pejorative expression meaning cowardliness and deception -- as vehicles carrying officials arrived at the venue.

The episode, captured on video, quickly circulated on social media and was widely seen as a public embarrassment for the Pakistani military establishment.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Why is the US entertaining Pakistan's army chief when their soil is being used to sponsor terrorism against India? This sends wrong signals. First they should act against groups like LeT. 🤨
P
Priya M.
The timing is suspicious - right after the Pahalgam attack. America should remember Pakistan's double game. They take US money but support terror groups that target India. Our government was right to deny US mediation claims.
A
Amit S.
Interesting to see Pakistani protesters calling out their own Army chief. Maybe they're finally seeing what we've known for decades - their military is the real power center causing problems in the region.
N
Neha T.
Trump is just playing his usual transactional politics. One day he brokers ceasefire (claims), next day he hosts the army chief. US foreign policy has no consistency when it comes to South Asia. 😒
S
Sanjay P.
The 'geedad' chants outside the hotel say it all! Even their own people know the truth about Pakistan's military leadership. India should strengthen ties with US but remain cautious about such engagements with our problematic neighbor.
K
Kavita R.
While we must be concerned about Pak's terror links, we shouldn't overreact to every meeting they have with other countries. Our focus should be on building our own economic and military strength. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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