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Business Recorder
23 minutes ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Field Marshal underscores potential for broader US-Pakistan ties
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has underscored the immense potential for a broader, multidimensional relationship with the US built upon mutual respect, shared strategic interests, and economic interdependence. During his official visit to the United States, the COAS held a comprehensive and candid exchange with senior scholars, analysts, policy experts, and representatives of leading international media outlets in Washington D.C, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a press release today. '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,' ISPR said. The discussion further included an evaluation of the long-standing Pakistan and the US partnership and the COAS underlined the historical convergences between the two nations, particularly 'in areas such as counter-terrorism, regional security, and economic development'. Moreover, 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. COAS, Trump discuss trade, crypto The COAS also emphasized 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. He shed light on Pakistan's remarkable untapped potential, particularly in the domains of information technology, agriculture, and its vast and underexploited reserves in the mining and mineral sectors. The army chief invited international partners to explore collaborative opportunities in these sectors to unlock shared prosperity. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump in a meeting with the COAS lauded Pakistan's ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability, and appreciated the robust counter-terrorism cooperation between the two states. During the meeting, the army chief conveyed the deep appreciation 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,' said the statement. The two sides also discussed avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation in multiple domains including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies.
News18
12 hours ago
- Business
- News18
An Old Tango in Washington: Donald Trump, Asim Munir & A Farce India Has Seen Before
Last Updated: While America is busy with its old tango with Islamabad, India will continue its economic ascent, building a future based on production, not deception President Donald Trump, in a move dripping with transactionalism, has rolled out the red carpet for Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Syed Asim Munir. Recently anointed a 'Field Marshal" for saving Pakistan from India's fury by securing a 'ceasefire," Asim Munir is now in Washington. He arrives not as a statesman representing a nation, but as an exposed military leader with a begging bowl, seeking to mortgage his country's strategic alignment for his institution's financial and political survival. But this time, there was a crucial and unexpected prologue. Just before meeting Munir, President Trump requested a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the 35-minute conversation, PM Modi made India's new doctrine vis-à-vis Pakistan crystal clear. He briefed Trump on Operation Sindoor, framing it as 'measured and precise", and made it clear that terrorism is now considered an actual war by India. The operation, he warned, is merely paused, and would resume with renewed ferocity were Pakistan to attempt any misadventure. With that single phone call, Munir's mission was kneecapped before it even began. He arrives not to a blank slate, but to a chessboard where India has already placed his king in check. Munir's itinerary, reportedly including meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, is not a diplomatic courtesy. It is a coronation. It confirms who truly wields power in Islamabad, and it is not the man with the title of 'Prime Minister.' The meeting between an American President and a Pakistani Army Chief, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is relegated to the sidelines, is the most profound insult to the very notion of Pakistani 'democracy." It is a public declaration from Washington that the fig leaf has fallen. The civilian government in Pakistan is, and has always been, a flimsy façade – a Potemkin village designed to secure IMF loans and maintain the pretense of a 'modern' state. The real power, the entity that decides matters of war, peace, and nuclear codes, resides in the military's General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. By engaging directly with Munir, Trump is simply legitimising Pakistan's military rule. It is a display of strategic myopia, where short-term gains are pursued at the cost of long-term regional stability. A PIVOT FOR A PRICE: WOOING RAWALPINDI, WORRYING BEIJING But why now? The timing, as always, is key. The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has sent ripples of anxiety through the world. With Pakistan sharing a long and porous border with Iran, its geography once again becomes its greatest, and perhaps only, asset. Washington sees a frontline state, a potential staging ground, and a lever against Tehran. In this high-stakes game, Trump is making a classic American bet: that the loyalty of the Pakistani military can be bought, or at least rented. He is attempting to pry Pakistan from the tightening embrace of its two most committed patrons: China and Iran. This courtship is aimed squarely at Beijing. For years, China has nurtured Pakistan as its 'all-weather" ally, a strategic gateway to the Arabian Sea through CPEC and a loyal customer for its military-industrial complex. Trump's embrace of Munir, with its unspoken offer of American dollars and technology, is a direct challenge to that leverage. After all, an 'all-weather friendship" built on loans can look remarkably fragile when confronted with the immediate gratification of American patronage. Beijing is about to find out just how deep its influence in Rawalpindi truly runs. The second prize is the vast mineral wealth of Balochistan. Since he took office in January, Trump has been scanning the world topography for rare earth elements (REEs). The India-Pakistan flare-up appears to have brought Balochistan's rare earth deposits to Trump's attention. Balochistan, currently under Pakistani occupation, is estimated to contain 12 of the 17 known REEs. By gaining influence over the Pakistani security establishment, the US not only disrupts China's access to these deposits but positions itself to control these resources — a manoeuvre combining 19th-century colonial grabbing with 21st-century geostrategic competition. AN OLD SCRIPT, BUT INDIA HAS FLIPPED THE PAGE So where does this leave India? More secure than ever. India's mature response is one of quiet, almost amused, detachment, now bolstered by the knowledge that our red lines have been clearly communicated at the highest level. Our attitude should be simple: good luck to all those who wish to get in bed with the Pakistanis. After all, Prime Minister Modi has made it unequivocally clear to Trump that US mediation is not welcome and that India knows how to deal with Pakistan on its own terms. India learned long ago that American dollars poured into Pakistan do not create a stable, moderate neighbour. Instead, they fund a duplicitous military establishment that perfects the art of playing both sides. The US has armed Pakistan against the Soviets, only to see those same assets turned into a global jihadist factory that ultimately claimed American lives. It has funded Pakistan for the 'War on Terror', only to find Osama bin Laden living comfortably next to its premier military academy. History provides a brutal record: any nation entangled with the Pakistani state has suffered for it. If President Trump believes he can tame this animal, especially after being explicitly warned by India, then we can only wish him the very best. India will not interrupt its adversary when it is making a mistake. Trump is not the first American to be entrapped by the Pakistanis, and India knows he will not be the last. top videos View all Let the US navigate the labyrinth of Pakistani promises. While America is busy with its old tango with Islamabad, India will continue its economic ascent, building a future based on production, not deception. The meeting between Trump and Munir is not a threat. It is an affirmation of everything we already knew, but with one crucial difference: this time, the world knows that India is not just watching. We have already spoken. The stage is set, the actors are familiar, and we have already delivered our lines. Besides, were Pakistan to mistake American patronage as a safety net to attempt more attacks against India, it would be making a catastrophic miscalculation — one that would invite a response so swift and overwhelming that no global power, not even the United States, would be able to shield Islamabad from. The cost would not just be military defeat, but the accelerated and inevitable unravelling of a terror state already fraying at the seams. Disintegration would not be a threat. It would be a certainty for Pakistan. Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra is a producer and video journalist at Network18. He is enthusiastic about and writes on both national affairs as well as geopolitics. tags : Asim Munir donald trump us pakistan relations Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 18, 2025, 11:42 IST News opinion Opinion | An Old Tango in Washington: Donald Trump, Asim Munir & A Farce India Has Seen Before
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Business Standard
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
As Munir meets Trump, a look at the past legacy of Pak's military chiefs
Since achieving independence in 1947, Pakistan's military leadership has seen a very close engagement with the political, economic, and foreign relations of the country. Army chiefs have not only led coups and managed wars, but they have also shaped and controlled the frameworks within which states operate. The evolution of power has transitioned through two key titles, Commander-in-Chief (1947-1972) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from 1972 onwards. This long arc of military dominance reached a new milestone on Wednesday (June 18), when General Asim Munir, Pakistan's current army chief, held a direct meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. This was the first time a sitting Pakistani Chief of Army Staff, who was not a politician or ruling under martial law, was formally received at such a high diplomatic level, which indicates the global weight of the military organisation. Over the years, each army chief stamps a different mark as the organisation transformed with coups, wars, diplomacy to commercialising itself. Here is an overview of how subsequent military leaders have shaped the civil-military relationship in Pakistan and extended the army's role in statecraft. Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan (1951–1958) This legacy began with Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan when he served as the Commander-in-Chief from 1951 to 1958 as the United States increased its military aid to Pakistan. A series of events led Ayub Khan to seize power in a military coup in 1958, cloaked as a necessary response to civilian mismanagement. He set up an operational "developmental dictatorship," consolidating economic and administrative power and dividing profits with military elites through the Fauji Foundation and massive parcels of land. His rule ended with a negotiated settlement that reestablished its international martial image when the 1965 war with India came to an end. His rule established a future pattern: seize power, entrench economically, and command diplomacy. General Muhammad Musa Khan (1958-1966) Following him, General Muhammad Musa Khan (1958-1966), a symbolic figure installed by Ayub, extended the same centralised authority and military privileges without initiating a new coup. He remained involved during the 1965 war and supported the Ayub-era political-economic framework. General Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan (1966-1971) General Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan (1966-1971) assumed power after Ayub's resignation, imposing martial law to address a growing crisis in East Pakistan. He disbanded the parliament and cracked down on dissent, centralising authority in West Pakistan. His tenure ended in catastrophe during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, as Pakistan faced military defeat and diplomatic isolation, ultimately leading to the creation of Pakistan. This marked a big rupture in the myth of Pakistan's military invincibility and exposed the limitations of authoritarian rule. Lt. Gen. Gul Hassan Khan (Dec 1971-Mar 1972) Lt. Gen. Gul Hassan Khan briefly served from December 1971 to March 1972 during a transitional phase. His role was largely ceremonial, presiding over a caretaker military command during national disintegration. General Tikka Khan (1972-1976) In the post-1971 period, General Tikka Khan (1972-1976) was appointed COAS under Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He initiated military restructuring and oversaw violent campaigns in Balochistan. While supporting Bhutto's nationalisation efforts, he ensured the military retained its institutional privileges. Diplomatically, he repositioned the military after the 1971 setback, marking the army's re-entry as a core power broker in civilian governance. General Zia??'ul??'Haq (1976-1988) General Zia??'ul??'Haq (1976-1988) executed a coup in 1977, Operation Fair Play, after fuelling political unrest. He imposed martial law, institutionalised Islamisation, and expanded military economic interests through the Defence Housing Authority, Fauji Foundation, and other welfare corporations. His foreign policy pivoted around alignment with the United States during the Soviet-Afghan War. While remaining neutral during the Iran-Iraq conflict, Zia actively supported Afghan Mujahideen. His rule left a legacy of ideological, political, and commercial militarisation. Weak generals in turbulent times After Zia's death in 1988, General Mirza Aslam Beg (1988-1991) facilitated a return to electoral democracy but ensured the National Security Council (NSC) retained supervisory authority. He maintained behind-the-scenes influence over fragile civilian administrations. General Asif Nawaz Janjua (1991-1993), selected on the basis of seniority, died unexpectedly in office. His brief tenure did not register any significant political or economic shift. General Abdul Waheed Kakar (1993-1996) took charge amid political unrest. He influenced the dismissal and restructuring of governments and continued to utilise the NSC as a policy advisory instrument. General Jehangir Karamat (1996-1998) assumed command under constitutional norms but was forced to resign after advocating parliamentary oversight of the NSC, an action that exposed military discomfort with civilian checks. General Pervez Musharraf (1998-2007) In 1998, General Pervez Musharraf seized power after the Kargil War in a coup against the Nawaz Sharif government, citing administrative failures. His regime restructured the Constitution, liberalised the economy, and significantly expanded military-led business ventures. Under Musharraf, Pakistan allied with the United States during the post-9/11 global war on terror and maintained strong ties with China and Gulf states. His controversial Kargil campaign attracted international condemnation and resulted in retreat under US pressure. Musharraf's leadership institutionalised the military's supremacy in politics and global diplomacy. The post-Musharraf era General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani (2007-2013), a Musharraf appointee, led during the post-coup normalisation period. Though he projected a reduced public military footprint, his tenure ensured continued control of the NSC and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Appointed in 2013 by Kayani, General Raheel Sharif (2013-2016) prioritised counter-terror operations, particularly Operation Zarb??'e??'Azb, and expanded the army's role in infrastructure under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He largely avoided political entanglement while engaging internationally to secure infrastructure investment. General Qamar Javed Bajwa (2016-2022) assumed command over senior contenders and received two extensions from Parliament. His tenure deepened military involvement in electoral processes, most notably engineering the rise of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and orchestrating the 2022 regime change. Under him, the military strengthened its economic stakes in CPEC and intensified diplomatic alignment while tightening domestic political control. Field Marshal General Asim Munir (2022-present) General Asim Munir, the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), assumed office in November 2022 amid political upheaval. In May 2025, he was elevated to the rank of Field Marshal, only the second in Pakistan's history after Ayub Khan. Munir's tenure has seen the reintroduction of military courts to prosecute civilian dissenters and a major expansion of 'milbus' (military-business) interests across mining, agriculture, and infrastructure. His leadership was tested during the April-May 2025 conflict with India, triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack. India responded with Operation Sindoor, targeting Pakistani military installations. Pakistan retaliated with Operation Bunyan??'um??'Marsoos. A ceasefire was reached on May 10. Munir emerged as a national hero, with a dramatic increase in public approval. On June 18, he attended a high-profile White House lunch hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, where discussions focused on regional stability, Iran, and Indo-Pak relations. Munir has since broadened military diplomacy, finalising jet deals with China, strengthening ties with Gulf nations, and elevating Pakistan's engagement in the United Nations Security Council and the International Monetary Fund. So far, his legacy is marked by unprecedented consolidation of military power in both state and commercial spheres. However, critics warn of an authoritarian drift and an increasingly militarised political landscape. Over the course of seven decades, Pakistan's army chiefs have followed a familiar blueprint: seize control through coups or exploit crises, institutionalise their authority via the NSC and influence over the judiciary and bureaucracy, monetise power through sprawling military business empires and justify their hold through war and diplomacy.
The Print
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Print
Trump-Munir meet: ISPR says US, Pakistan to deepen ties on counterterrorism, trade & crypto
In what the Pakistan military claimed to be a show of the 'depth and cordiality of the dialogue,' the meeting went on for two hours despite being scheduled for an hour. 'President Trump lauded Pakistan's ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability and appreciated the robust counterterrorism cooperation between the two states. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in the field of counterterrorism,' the Pakistan military's readout has said. New Delhi: The United States and Pakistan have agreed to deepen counterterrorism ties and cooperation in other domains after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir in Washington D.C. Wednesday, the Pakistani military has said. The Pakistan military has said that 'bilateral cooperation' in multiple domains, including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies, was discussed. Trump, it added, expressed a 'keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests'. 'During the meeting, the Chief of Army Staff (Munir) conveyed the deep appreciation of the government and 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,' the statement added. The engagement—held in the Cabinet Room, followed by a visit to the Oval Office—marked the first time the US President officially received a serving Pakistani army chief, who does not hold any political office. Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio and Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs Steve Witkoff accompanied Trump. Munir—elevated to rank of Field Marshal after the recent India-Pakistan flare-up—had Pakistan's National Security Adviser and Intelligence Chief Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik with him. Also Read: Trump invited Munir after he called for Nobel for US president for 'stopping' India-Pakistan conflict Complicated security partnership The Trump administration earlier this year approved the release of $397 million to Pakistan to support the maintenance of its F-16 fighter jet fleet for counterterrorism operations. The decision stood out as it came despite his executive order after assuming office in January, imposing a 90-day freeze on all foreign aid. According to Reuters, funding approval for Pakistan falls under one of the 243 exceptions granted by the Trump administration, with $5.3 billion released so far. Of the amount, $4.1 billion remains tied to the US State Department for military and arms programmes. The $397 million allocation continues a precedent set by the previous Biden administration in September 2022, when it approved a $450 million package to maintain Pakistan's F-16 fleet, with the express condition that Islamabad would use the aircraft solely for counterterrorism and not against India. The Trump-Munir White House meeting marked the close but often contentious US-Pakistan counterterrorism partnership, which has lasted over two decades. CENTCOM Commander General Michael Kurilla last week referred to Pakistan as a 'phenomenal counterterrorism partner,' a rare and public endorsement from a senior American military leader. Former Pentagon official Kash Patel also confirmed the critical role Pakistan played in the extradition of an ISIS facilitator from Canada to the United States earlier this year. The inclusion of cryptocurrency in the talks has drawn the most attention. Analysts and insiders noted that 'crypto-linked influence networks' and non-traditional lobbying efforts in Washington partially facilitated the Trump-Munir engagement, bypassing formal diplomatic channels. The new dynamic could signal a broader shift in how Pakistan will engage with US policymakers, particularly in the emerging technology sector. Regional dynamics A key part of the dialogue was the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Both Trump and Munir reportedly emphasised the need for a resolution. Trump earlier noted that Pakistan has a deep familiarity with Iran—Islamabad represents Iranian interests in Washington DC. He also said that Munir 'agreed with me' on the importance of preventing escalation. 'They know Iran very well, better than most… They are not bad with Israel, either. They know them both,' Trump told reporters after the meeting. However, the Pakistan military readout did not mention anything on this front. In a symbolic gesture, Munir has invited Trump to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date—a proposal the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan, described as reflecting the 'warmth of bilateral ties'. Pakistani government officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, hailed the meeting as 'pre-scheduled' and an example of the 'unprecedented warmth' between the countries. However, critics have expressed alarm over the implications of such a high-level meeting for civilian supremacy and democratic norms in Pakistan. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: BJP slams Yunus govt 'inaction' after Tagore mansion attacked in Bangladesh—'Islamists sending message'
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Field Marshal Asim Munir meets President Trump at White House
Listen to article During his two-hour meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir discussed a wide range of issues, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The two leaders also exchanged views on regional security matters, including counter-terrorism efforts, the recent ceasefire between Pakistan and India, and rising tensions in the Middle East. Also read: Trump claims credit for India-Pakistan ceasefire despite Modi's denial 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 Munir was joined by Pakistan's National Security Advisor. During the meeting, the Chief of Army Staff conveyed the deep appreciation of the Government and 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. Read: Trump calls meeting COAS Munir an honour at White House luncheon 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.A detailed exchange of views also took place on the prevailing tensions between Iran and Israel, with both leaders emphasising the importance of resolving the conflict. President Trump commended Field Marshal Munir's leadership and decisiveness during a period of complex regional dynamics. Also read: Trump hosts Field Marshal Asim Munir in unprecedented White House meetThe statement by the military's media wing added that, "In a gesture reflecting the warmth of bilateral ties, Field Marshal 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.
