Pakistan is committed for regional peace and stability, says Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir in his interactions with U.S.
Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir, in his interactions with several interlocutors in the US, committed for regional peace and stability and a rule based international order, the army said in Islamabad on Friday (June 20, 2025)
After his meeting with the U.S. President Donald Trump, Munir held a comprehensive and candid exchange with senior scholars, analysts, policy experts, and representatives of leading international media outlets in Washington DC, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a statement.
The interaction with prominent U.S. think tanks and representatives of the strategic affairs institutions, provided an opportunity to articulate Pakistan's principled stance on key regional and global issues, and to deepen understanding of Pakistan's strategic outlook, it said.
Army Chief Munir met Mr. Trump at the White House on Wednesday, a meeting that came weeks after recent tension between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff 'highlighted Pakistan's unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability, and its constructive role in fostering a rules-based international order.' The Field Marshal alluded to the details and analysis of the Maarka e Haq, Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and elaborated on Pakistan's perspective on terrorism, noting the malign influence of certain regional actors in sponsoring and perpetuating terrorism as a tool of hybrid warfare.
Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), emphasised that Pakistan has been on the front lines of the global war against terrorism, having rendered immense sacrifices—both human and economic—in pursuit of a safer and more secure world, the statement claimed.
After the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 that destroyed the terror infrastructure in Pakistan controlled areas. The Pakistan Army said it launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos as part of the 'Marka-e-Haq' (Battle of Truth) after the Indian strikes.
Despite Mr. Trump's repeated claims of mediating, New Delhi has been maintaining that the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea with immediate effect on May 10.
Munir also shed light on Pakistan's 'untapped potential, particularly in the domains of information technology, agriculture, and its vast and underexploited reserves' in the mining and mineral sectors and invited international partners to explore collaborative opportunities.
The discussion further included an evaluation of the long-standing Pakistan–US partnership. The COAS underlined the historical convergences between the two nations, particularly in areas such as counter-terrorism, regional security, and economic development.
He underscored the immense potential for a broader, multidimensional relationship built upon 'mutual respect, shared strategic interests, and economic interdependence,' the statement added.
Participants during the various exchanges noted the 'openness and clarity' of Munir's perspectives and appreciated 'Pakistan's consistent and principled policies,' it said adding, the interaction was marked by a spirit of mutual understanding and was widely regarded as a positive step toward enhancing strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the United States.
This engagement reflects Pakistan's commitment to 'transparent diplomacy, international engagement, and the pursuit of peaceful coexistence' through principled and proactive dialogue, the army said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
Trump's Tulsi problem: Wanted a minion, picked a maverick
After Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard has found that US President Donald Trump may pick a maverick when he actually wants a minion. When Gabbard was named Director of National Intelligence by Trump in November 2024, it symbolized one of the most dramatic ideological journeys in recent American politics. A former Democrat who once vocally opposed Trump's foreign policy, Gabbard's trajectory from progressive dissident to a Republican-aligned intelligence chief highlighted not only her political adaptability but also Trump's penchant for tapping unconventional allies. Yet less than a year into her tenure, the alliance appears to be fraying. Trump's public rebuke of Gabbard on Friday, accusing her of being "wrong" about Iran's nuclear ambitions, has cast doubt on her future in the administration and underscored the volatile dynamics within Trump's camp as he navigates his comeback bid. What first riled Trump was a video Gabbard posted on X on June 10 in which she warned that "political elite and warmongers" are "carelessly fomenting fear and tensions between nuclear powers," putting the world "on the brink of nuclear annihilation." A person close to the president told Politico that he viewed the video as Gabbard warning him not to greenlight Israel attacking Iran. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 발톱무좀 고민이신분! 제발 이 글 필독하세요! 홈시네라이프 더 알아보기 Undo Also Read: Nuclear war! US intel chief warns world is on the edge of annihilation From DNC pariah to MAGA ally Live Events You Might Also Like: Trump vs Tulsi Gabbard: Is US President planning to fire US spy chief over provocative anti-war video? Gabbard's departure from the Democratic Party in October 2022 did not come as a shock. Her criticism of the party's 'warmongering elite' and her staunch opposition to interventionist foreign policy had long made her an outsider. Yet few anticipated how quickly she would pivot toward Trump's orbit. By mid-2023, Gabbard was appearing frequently on conservative media, praising Trump-era foreign policy and criticizing President Biden's approach to Ukraine and Iran. Her endorsement of Trump in August 2024 was a significant political moment—particularly as it came while Trump was consolidating his position in the Republican primary. Gabbard's appeal to Trump was multi-dimensional: her military service lent credibility to Trump's America First messaging; her defection from the Democrats reinforced his narrative of a party in disarray; and her rising profile in conservative circles offered a fresh face to appeal to independent voters. Trump's decision to nominate her as DNI in November 2024 surprised many but aligned with his history of installing loyalists in key positions, often outside traditional establishment picks. Trump values loyalty but is also attracted to figures who carry an aura of independence, so long as it doesn't directly challenge his authority. Gabbard was useful to Trump because she legitimized his anti-establishment credentials while also appealing to veterans and libertarian-leaning conservatives. Her appointment as DNI was also tactical: Trump sought to shake up the intelligence community, which he has long viewed with suspicion. She, as an outsider with military gravitas and a maverick reputation, fit the bill. Her initial cooperation and alignment with Trump's broad foreign policy themes -- anti-interventionism, skepticism of the intelligence "deep state," and a focus on China -- made her a valuable asset. But Trump's pattern of burning bridges with appointees who assert independence has a long precedent, and Gabbard may now be next in line. You Might Also Like: Trump says Tulsi Gabbard was 'wrong' about Iran, Israeli strikes could be 'very hard to stop' Is Trump preparing to fire Gabbard? Earlier, a Politico report had said that Trump had increasingly mused about nixing Gabbard's office completely. Trump thought Gabbard did not add anything to "any conversation", the report said citing insiders. A few days ago, reports claimed that he is relying on a high-profile group of Cabinet picks and not those who are supposed to be advising him by the virtue of their posts: Gabbard and Defense secretary Pete Hegseth. The rupture had begun with Gabbard's testimony to Congress in March 2025. She stated that the U.S. intelligence community 'continued to assess that Tehran is not currently pursuing a nuclear weapon,' echoing long-standing assessments from both the Biden and previous Trump-era intelligence reports. Trump, however, has taken a harder line in recent months, arguing that Iran is 'weeks away' from acquiring a nuclear bomb -- statements likely influenced by his desire to project strength in the lead-up to the 2026 midterms and potentially 2028. When Gabbard's testimony was raised in a press gaggle on Monday evening, Trump dismissed her comments, saying, 'I don't care what she says.' By Friday, the rebuke was more explicit. Trump's public rebuke of Gabbard suggests a brewing frustration with her unwillingness to bend the intelligence narrative to align with his political messaging, a pattern seen in past Trump appointments, from James Comey to John Bolton. The public criticism, particularly over an issue as significant as Iran's nuclear program, is a red flag. For Trump, public disagreements with his appointees often precede dismissal. Gabbard's claim that her March testimony was 'taken out of context' suggests she is attempting damage control, but it may not be enough. Behind the scenes, Trump loyalists have reportedly grown uneasy with Gabbard's growing media presence and her continued framing of intelligence assessments in ways that don't always align with Trump's messaging. If Trump believes Gabbard is undermining his narrative, especially on a high-profile national security issue, her tenure may be on borrowed time. A dismissal, however, could come with risks. Firing Gabbard could alienate independent voters and veterans who see her as a voice of reason within the Trump movement. It may also reignite debates over Trump's handling of intelligence during his prior presidency. If removed, Gabbard has a number of options. Her reputation as a principled non-interventionist still holds sway with a segment of the right—and even some independents. She could pivot to a media career, possibly on platforms like Fox News, Newsmax, or a new independent outlet. Politically, she could mount a Senate run or become a prominent surrogate for another faction within the GOP, possibly even challenging Trumpism from within if his grip on the party begins to loosen. Alternatively, she may bide her time, reemerging post-Trump with renewed relevance in a reshaped Republican landscape. The Trump-Gabbard saga encapsulates the volatility of MAGA politics. Their alliance was one of strategic convenience more than ideological cohesion. Trump elevated Gabbard because she was useful; now, as she asserts independence on sensitive intelligence matters, she risks becoming expendable.
NDTV
35 minutes ago
- NDTV
US-Iran Nuclear Talks A "Cover Up" For Israel Attack: Iran's Foreign Minister
After Israel launched an attack on Iran just days before scheduled talks with the US, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the country is uncertain whether to trust the United States in diplomatic talks, in an interview to NBC. When asked if the two-week time frame given by US President Donald Trump is enough to finalise a deal with the United States, Araghchi said that it was up to the Trump administration to "show their determination for going for a negotiated solution." He also accused the US of not being serious regarding the talks and only using it as a cover to justify the attacks by Israel. "So they had perhaps this plan in their mind, and they just needed negotiations perhaps to cover it up," Araghchi said. "We don't know how we can trust them anymore. What they did was, in fact, a betrayal to diplomacy." Trump on Thursday had said, "Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks." In Geneva, Araghchi also said that Iran was open to negotiations but only if Israel halts the offensive. "We're not prepared to negotiate with them anymore, as long as the aggression continues," he said. He absolutely negated the US' demand for zero enrichment and said he had made it clear to US envoy, Steve Witkoff. He also added how enriching uranium is the right of every country. "This is an achievement of our own scientists. It's a question of national pride and dignity," he said. Speaking about Witkoff, he said "I think he is a gentleman, somebody you can work with, but unfortunately, he changed his words every time we met. So maybe that was because he couldn't deliver what he promised to us." The foreign minister further clarified that they will "negotiate" but, "negotiate only when it is negotiation and not dictation." He further added that if the US destroys Iran's nuclear facilities, they can rebuild it again, "because the knowledge is here, the technology is there", stating that "the technology cannot be reversed, cannot be destroyed by bombs." Regarding the possibility of the United States joining Israel to strike Iran, he said that his government reserves the right to retaliate. "When there is a war, both sides attack each other. That's quite understandable. And self-defense is a legitimate right of every country." He added that "if the U.S. joins Israel in these attacks, we will do the same." About threats of assassinating Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Aragchi said that "would be the biggest crime they can commit" but "they won't be able to do that." Trump has said in a post on Truth Social that the US knows where Khamenei is, but they are not planning to target him, "at least not for now." Araghchi also said that Iran does not regard Trump's threats as threats, but as insults. "I see it more as an insult. And I'm amazed how the president of the so-called superpower can talk like this. We have always talked about President Trump respectfully." Iran and Israel exchanged fresh attacks early on Saturday, a day after Tehran said it would not negotiate over its nuclear programme while under threat and Europe tried to keep peace talks alive. The developments came as US President Donald Trump on Friday said he may support a ceasefire in the week-old aerial conflict between US ally Israel and its regional rival Iran "depending on the circumstances".
India Gazette
35 minutes ago
- India Gazette
J-K: LoP Sunil Sharma says Yoga at Lal Chowk sends message of unity
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 21 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Saturday said the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations at Srinagar's iconic Lal Chowk sent a powerful message of unity and peace from a location once associated with tension and conflict. 'It gives me immense relief that at the Lal Chowk, where we have always seen tensions, today under the tricolour, Yoga, which is a part of our culture, is being performed... We have sent a message that the people of J&K are united,' Sharma told ANI at the event. Earlier in the day, Indian Army personnel from the Krishna Ghati Brigade's Balnoi Battalion also marked the occasion with a yoga session in Poonch, which saw enthusiastic participation from locals of nearby border villages including Balnoi, Dad Sagra, and Mankot. Mohamed Ashraf Chaudhary, a resident, told ANI, 'People from Banloi, Dad Sagra, Mankot came with great enthusiasm. This was the biggest event after Operation Sindoor. I thank the Army for organising it and for always supporting us.' Chaudhary added that the Army not only defends the borders but also works hand-in-hand with residents to raise awareness and build stronger ties. Moin Aftab Khan, a social activist from Mankot Panchayat, expressed pride in participating. 'Yoga training was held inside the Army base. Earlier, we only saw such events in Delhi or Punjab on TV. Watching and participating here made us proud,' he said, urging villagers, especially the elderly, to embrace yoga and spread its message. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations in Udhampur of Jammu and Kashmir. Singh met the army personnel here in Udhampur, praised their efforts in Operation Sindoor. 'Your bravery is widely admired across the nation. I salute the valour and courage of the Indian Army,' Rajnath Singh said while addressing. He further added, 'In today's world, where stress, anxiety, and unrest are widespread, yoga has emerged as a powerful solution. Yoga is not merely about sitting quietly with eyes closed--it's about mindfulness and inner control. The theme of this year's Yoga Day celebrations is 'Yoga for one Earth, one health,' aligning it with sustainability and global well-being. Speaking about the theme of this year's Yoga Day celebrations, the Defence Minister said, 'Every year, we celebrate Yoga Day with a unique theme. This year's theme, 'One Earth, One Health', reflects India's belief in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam--that the whole world is one family.' The Union Minister arrived in Udhampur on the evening of 20th June and took part in cultural celebrations and Bada khana with army personnel. (ANI)
