Latest news with #COAS
Economic Times
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
In his exchanges in US, COAS Munir claims committed to regional peace: Pakistan army
AP Asim Munir, Pak army chief 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 on Friday. After his meeting with the US 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 US 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. Munir met 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 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.
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Field Marshal Munir engages US think tanks on Pakistan's role in global peace
Listen to article During his official visit to the United States for a five-day official visit aimed at reinforcing military and strategic ties between Pakistan and the United States, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, held a detailed and candid exchange with senior scholars, analysts, policy experts, and international media representatives in Washington DC, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Engaging with prominent US think tanks and strategic affairs institutions, the COAS presented Pakistan's principled position on key regional and global matters, deepening mutual understanding of the country's strategic perspective. Read: Trump claims credit for India-Pakistan ceasefire despite Modi's denial US President Donald Trump said it was an honour to meet COAS Munir during a luncheon held at the White House on his remarks, Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan's steadfast commitment to regional peace and a rules-based international order. He referenced key military operations, including Maarka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, and addressed Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts, highlighting the destabilising role of certain regional actors employing terrorism as a component of hybrid warfare. Read More: Trump calls meeting COAS Munir an honour at White House luncheon He emphasised Pakistan's frontline role in the global war on terror, citing the country's significant human and economic sacrifices for global security. The COAS also spotlighted Pakistan's untapped potential in information technology, agriculture, and mining, inviting global partners to invest in these sectors for mutual benefit. Also Read: Trump hosts Field Marshal Asim Munir in unprecedented White House meet He elaborated on Pakistan's balanced and lawful approach to regional and global conflicts, advocating for diplomacy and cooperative security frameworks. The long-standing Pakistan–U.S. relationship was also reviewed, with a focus on counter-terrorism, regional stability, and economic growth. Participants appreciated the transparency and strategic clarity in the COAS's views. The session was widely regarded as a meaningful contribution to strengthening the US-Pakistan strategic dialogue. Yesterday, 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 (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.
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
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.
Business Recorder
12 hours 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.
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Business Standard
a day 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.
