A strategic huddle

Listen to article
An unexpected and emergent huddle between President Donald Trump and Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir has laid a renewed roadmap of cooperation on strategic issues. The interaction – the first of its kind wherein Pakistan's serving military chief met a sitting US president and that too without political aides – summarises the indispensability of Pakistan's geopolitical importance and the role that the security forces can play in counterterrorism efforts in the region along with the US.
The audience also brought to the fore the indispensability of Islamabad for Washington as it navigates its policies in Afghanistan and the necessity of sharing notes as Iran and Israel are locked in a conflagration that threatens world peace and security.
While minutes of the get-together remain elusive and little is known as to what literally transpired on Iran and Israel, as well as the format to handle the soaring terrorism in Afghanistan, the fact that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Special Representative for Mideast Steve Witkoff and Pakistan's NSA and ISI chief Lt Gen Asim Malik were in session makes it comprehensive enough to assume that some constructive parleys were held, meant to scale down the volatility through diplomacy, and make use of influence Pakistan can assert over Tehran and the Muslim world.
The summit reportedly arranged through ''unorthodox efforts" also came as an apt opportunity to debrief each other over the four-day duel that Pakistan fought with India, and the promising mediatory role of Trump in pulling back the nuclear rivals from the brink.
Pakistan's military authorities, in a presser, also said that avenues for expanding trade and big-ticket ventures such as mines and minerals, crypto-currency and emerging technologies also figured in the meeting. The debut audience, nonetheless, has also flagged hopes that Trump would have shared his views on furthering democracy and rule of law in Pakistan, and brokering a reconciliation of sorts for a win-win people-centric bilateralism.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Express Tribune

an hour ago

• Express Tribune

Conversion of Hindu minors triggers community uproar

The conversion of three Hindu sisters and their male cousin - two of them minors — to Islam in Sindh's Sanghar district sparked a backlash from the local Hindu community on Wednesday. Acting on urgent appeals from the parents of 13-year-old Hunain Kumar, 16-year-old Jiya, 19-year-old Disha, and 22-year-old Diya — as well as the Hindu Panchayat — police recovered all four on Thursday and arrested the suspect allegedly responsible for the conversions. The three sisters and their cousin had left home without informing their families on Wednesday morning. Later that day, they released video messages stating they had accepted Islam of their own free will, without coercion. They also claimed they feared being harmed by their families for their decision. At a press conference, the mothers of the siblings — visibly distressed and weeping — accused a local computer teacher, Farhan Khaskheli, of brainwashing and abducting the children. "I want my son back. He is only 13 years old and cannot understand religion," said Hunain Kumar's mother, breaking down in tears. She appealed directly to Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to help recover her son. The girls' mother also held Khaskheli responsible for the alleged conversion and abduction. "I have three daughters, and Khaskheli has taken all of them," she said through tears. Rajesh Kumar, head of the Hindu Panchayat, described the incident as not just a family tragedy, but a communal one. "These girls are not just daughters of Hindus — they are daughters of Sindh," he said, while showing their photos and questioning whether they were mature enough to decide to change their religion. Kumar added that the Hindu community had always lived in harmony with their Muslim neighbours and actively participated in Islamic festivals and local customs. He thanked civil society and politicians for their support and announced that the panchayat had held an emergency meeting in Sanghar on Wednesday. Sanghar SSP Ghulam Nabi Keerio visited the panchayat during the meeting and assured the community of swift police action. The FIR was registered on the basis of the parents' complaint.

Express Tribune

2 hours ago

• Express Tribune

Trump conveyed Pakistan's concerns over Iran-Israel war

A day after the landmark meeting between US President Donald Trump and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the White House, Pakistan on Thursday reiterated its opposition to a military solution and emphasised diplomacy as the preferred way to resolve the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. At his weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that the Pakistani delegation, led by the field marshal, likely conveyed Islamabad's concerns and stance on the escalating conflict during the meeting. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also released a statement confirming a "detailed exchange" between the two sides on the prevailing tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-Iran situation. Both leaders reportedly stressed the need for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. Responding to a question on President Trump's remark that "Pakistan is not happy with the situation", the spokesperson said the field marshal must have clearly communicated Pakistan's position and concerns during the high-level discussions "Pakistan's authoritative position is conveyed in the foreign ministry's statement, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar's, statement in the Senate. So, you put two together, you can understand what must have been conveyed by our side, our concerns," the spokesperson explained. He, however, would not say any role was being envisaged for Pakistan in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. "But what we can say is, we condemn what Israel is doing in Iran. It is in violation of all rules of civilized behavior, interstate relation, international law and international humanitarian law. This is very clear." "We prefer and are open to support any diplomatic effort which can lead to the de-escalation and restoration of peace," he further said. Sources said the Trump administration was told that diplomacy was the only way forward and any other means to resolve the conflict would have far reaching implications. Trump and his team were briefed by the Pakistani side about the likely implications, which prompted the US president to tell reporters later that Pakistan knew more about Iran than many others. Meanwhile, the military's media wing on Thursday provided more details about the meeting at the White House and what transpired in over two-hour long exchange with Trump. The high-level engagement was scheduled at the Cabinet Room over Luncheon followed by a visit to the Oval Office. President Trump was accompanied by Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio, and Mr Steve Witkoff, the US Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs. Field Marshal Asim Munir was joined in by Pakistan's National Security Adviser. During the meeting, the Chief of Army Staff conveyed the deep appreciation of the government and the people of Pakistan for President Trump's constructive and result-oriented role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in the recent regional crisis. The COAS acknowledged President Trump's statesmanship and his ability to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the global community. President Trump, in turn, lauded Pakistan's ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability, and appreciated the robust counter-terrorism cooperation between the two states. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in the field of counter-terrorism. Discussions also encompassed avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation in multiple domains including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies. President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests. President Trump commended Field Marshal Asim Munir's leadership and decisiveness during a period of complex regional dynamics. In a gesture reflecting the warmth of bilateral ties, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir extended an invitation to President Trump, on behalf of the government of Pakistan, to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date. Although initially scheduled for one hour, the meeting extended for over two hours, underscoring the depth and cordiality of the dialogue. "The engagement marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to reinforce the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United States, built upon shared objectives of peace, stability, and prosperity," said ISPR. Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump discussed trade, economic development, and cryptocurrency during their meeting at the White House on Wednesday, the army said. "President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests," the army said in a statement on Thursday. (With additional input from Reuters)

Business Recorder

2 hours ago

• Business Recorder

London stocks fall as BoE keeps rates on hold

LONDON: London stocks dropped to an over two-week low on Thursday as the Bank of England left borrowing costs unchanged, while the raging conflict in the Middle East kept risk-taking in check. The benchmark FTSE 100 closed down 0.6%, with a stronger pound adding additional pressure on the index. Trading was thin as US markets are shut for a public holiday. Israel and Iran's aerial attacks continued as US President Donald Trump kept the world guessing about whether the US would join Israel in air strikes on Tehran. Markets were hopeful of talks between the US and Iran, and between the European Union and Iran on Friday, leading to a potential de-escalation in tensions. The conflict has impacted oil prices, which were higher on the day, boosting the energy sector by 1.3%. Gains in heavyweight Shell and BP limited declines on the commodity-heavy FTSE 100. Personal goods and travel and leisure stocks fell 4% and 2.3%, respectively, that led broader declines. Industrial metal miners lost 2.5%, as copper prices hit a near one-week low. The Bank of England held interest rates at 4.25% as expected on Thursday but said it was focused on risks from a weaker labour market and higher energy prices as conflict in the Middle East escalates. 'The big thing for UK equities ... is to see whether earnings can start picking up or not. It's something we haven't seen a lot lately and that is what really is missing,' Lilian Chovin, head of asset allocation at the British private bank Coutts. 'The slight weakness in the labour market is something you're starting to see. It's an emerging trend of loosening employment markets across the world, which should pave the way for rate cuts, maybe in the back end of this year,' Chovin added. This follows a meeting of the US Federal Reserve, where Chair Jerome Powell said he expected 'meaningful' inflation ahead, due to Trump's planned tariffs, but policymakers still kept two rate cuts in 2025 on the table, offering little clarity on the overall stance. Persimmon and United Utilities were among the worst performers of the FTSE 100, down 3.4% and 2.3%, respectively, as they traded without entitlement to their latest dividend payouts.