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Time of India
13 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Trump-Munir White House meeting signals strategic calculations amid regional tensions
Danny generated AI Image ISLAMABAD: The meeting between US President Donald J Trump and Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at the White House on Thursday has set the geopolitical grapevine abuzz, with whispers of backroom deals that could reshape the balance of power in South Asia and far beyond. What began as a one-hour lunch in the Cabinet Room turned into a two-hour marathon meeting that continued in the Oval Office, attended by US secretary of state Marco Rubio, special representative Steve Witkoff, and Pakistan NSA and Inter-Services Intelligence chief, Lt Gen Asim Malik. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) handout flags counter-terrorism, trade, and peace, but the real stakes — against the backdrop of Iran-Israel airstrikes and India-Pakistan tensions — reveal a high-wire act with far-reaching implications. Trump, channeling his trademark deal-maker bravado, now sees Pakistan as a strategic prize. As Israel intensifies strikes on Iran's nuclear sites and Washington edges closer to military escalation, Pakistan's shared border with Iran becomes critical. Sources say Trump privately pressured Munir for airspace access and intelligence on Tehran — leveraging Pakistan's backchannel role as the host of Iran's interests section for the US. In return, he offered advanced weaponry and economic incentives, aiming to lure Islamabad away from China's orbit and Russia's Brics alliance. Trump's push to expand trade in critical minerals, cryptocurrency, AI, and energy is part of a broader strategy to anchor Pakistan within US-led markets and curb China's regional influence. He has also claimed credit for defusing the May 2025 crisis between India and Pakistan. As Pakistan's power broker, Munir brings serious leverage. His military's fight against Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) syncs with US aims in Afghanistan. With ties to Iran and a shared border, Munir can offer covert intelligence or logistical support, though Pakistan's pro-Iran rhetoric caps public alignment. Economically, he can unlock Pakistan's mineral and tech potential for US investors, but treading too far risks Beijing's wrath. On India, Munir's role in brokering the May ceasefire – praised by President Trump – has been framed in Islamabad as a direct rebuttal of New Delhi's allegations of Pakistani involvement in cross-border terrorism. With the country facing severe economic challenges, Munir is believed to have sought US military and financial assistance to modernise Pakistan's armed forces and stabilise its economy. Trump's openness to providing drones or missile defence systems could significantly alter the military balance with India. Munir also reportedly urged Trump to de-escalate growing tensions between Iran and Israel, warning of broader regional instability and citing Pakistan's vocal alignment with Tehran. In a bold diplomatic gesture, Munir extended an invitation for Trump to visit Pakistan, an effort seen as central to reshaping bilateral ties and enhancing Islamabad's global relevance. Timed amid Middle East turmoil and South Asian friction, the Trump-Munir summit is a geopolitical pivot. It signals a fragile US-Pakistan thaw, driven by Washington's ally hunt and Pakistan's economic crunch. For India, it's a call to counter a US strategy cosying up to both rivals while eyeing Iran. Trump's deal-making and Munir's strategic charm aim to reposition Pakistan as a US cornerstone, potentially redrawing South Asia's power map at India's expense. Wednesday's White House talks weren't just diplomacy, they were a bold move in a high-stakes regional chess game.
India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Viral Video Claims Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir Shopped At US Mall Before Trump Meeting
A video allegedly depicting Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir doing some shopping at an American mall went viral on social media platforms, generating controversy and skepticism before his planned lunch meeting with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday. The video, released amid Munir's five-day official visit to the United States, has raised suspicions regarding its authenticity and generated harsh criticism on social media. General Asim Munir, the 11th Chief of the Army Staff of the Pakistan Army since 2022 and a former Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is visiting America to enhance military relations, official reports say. The popular video, uploaded on Facebook by Pakistan Tribune with the title, "Pakistan's Field Marshal General Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Spotted Somewhere [Shopping Mall] in the US," is said to capture Munir indulging in recreational activities during his visit. Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir is busy sightseeing in an American Mall like an average Chhapri while his neighbouring country is on the verge of regime change and state collapse What a clown country man — Sensei Kraken Zero (@YearOfTheKraken) June 17, 2025 The video, which went viral on sites such as X, has produced mixed reactions. Some attacked Munir for purportedly "sightseeing as a tourist" on an official visit, with one X post saying, "He's strolling around like a jobless fellow." Another hypothesised, "It looks like he is being kept at bay so he does not interfere with US agendas to utilize Pakistan's resources against Iran." No sources have, however, authenticated the video or Munir's purported mall outing. Grok, the AI chatbot developed by xAI, cast doubt on the claims, stating, "The claim that Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir was sightseeing in an American mall is likely false or exaggerated. His visit focuses on diplomatic engagements, not leisure. No evidence supports the video's authenticity, and it lacks verification from news outlets." This follows recent debunked claims about Munir being invited to the US Army's 250th anniversary celebrations, which the US administration denied. The row comes ahead of Munir's planned meeting with President Trump to talk about mutual military cooperation amid increasing regional tensions. The authorities have remained silent over the video, casting doubt on its validity as a row rages online.
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First Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
The price Pakistanis will pay for Pakistan's oversized defence budget
Despite facing fiscal pressures, including nearly half the budget going toward debt servicing, the government has opted to sharply increase defence funding. This has affected health and environment budgetary allocations read more Pakistan's federal budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 has once more brought the skewed national priorities of the country to the fore. While defence spending is sent soaring, critical sectors such as health and environment face steep cuts. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced a record 20 per cent rise in defense allotment to ₨ 2.55 trillion— this marks the highest annual increase in over a decade and brings defense spending close to 2 per cent of GDP and 15 per cent of the entire federal budget. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Aurangzeb defended the decision, citing a 'precarious' security environment and praising the armed forces for safeguarding the borders. A significant portion of the increase targets operational and infrastructure costs, potentially including repairs attributed to India's Operation Sindoor, which hit several airbases. The Pakistan Army is allocated nearly 45 per cent of the defence budget, with the Air Force and Inter-Services Intelligence each receiving around 20 per cent. Health and environment budgets slashed dramatically The budget reads as a tale of two narratives. While the military receives record funding, environmental programs and healthcare have suffered deep reductions. The environment protection budget has been slashed from PKR 7.2 billion to PKR 3.1 billion, effectively halving funding for pollution control– an alarming development for urban centres such as Lahore, which ranked among the world's most polluted cities last year. Healthcare funding has been similarly reduced from PKR 52.1 billion (revised) to just PKR 31.9 billion. This retrenchment comes despite Pakistan's ongoing struggle with diseases like diabetes, malaria, dengue, and a doctor‑to‑patient ratio far below WHO recommendations. Tensions surface between security and public welfare The sidelining of environment and health sectors has sparked criticism among analysts who argue that the government's focus on military investment comes at the expense of essential public services. Pakistan ranks among the most climate-vulnerable nations, regularly facing devastating floods and air pollution crises, while healthcare remains chronically underfunded. Despite facing fiscal pressures, including nearly half the budget going toward debt servicing under an IMF program and an overall 7 per cent spending cut, the government has opted to sharply increase defence funding. The Environment and health sectors have borne the brunt of austerity. Drastically reducing investments in pollution control and climate resilience could exacerbate health risks and economic losses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The World Bank estimates climate-related damages could slash nearly 20% off Pakistan's GDP by mid-century. In healthcare, low investment could undermine efforts to tackle infectious and noncommunicable diseases and worsen health inequalities. By prioritising defence spending now, Pakistan may be underinvesting in its people's long-term resilience—raising critical questions about whether the country can sustain both its security needs and its duty to safeguard citizens' well-being.
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Espionage case: Punjab YouTuber Jasbir Singh sent to judicial custody
A Mohali court on Monday (June 9, 2025) sent Punjab-based YouTuber Jasbir Singh, arrested on espionage charges, to judicial custody. Mr. Singh was produced before the court after the completion of this two-day police remand. Post his arrest on June 4, he was sent to three days of police remand following which it was extended for two days. Mr. Singh's counsel Mohit Dhupar said he will be produced in court again on June 23. Jasbir Singh alias Jaan Mahal (41), who hails from Mahlan Village in Rupnagar District, was running a YouTube channel "JaanMahal Video" with over 11 lakh subscribers, ostensibly posting travel and cooking vlogs. He was alleged to be in close touch with Haryana-based influencer Jyoti Malhotra, who is in judicial custody on charges of spying for Pakistan. Mr. Singh's family, however, maintained he was innocent and claimed he was arrested despite cooperating with the police for over 10 days. On June 7, the YouTuber's counsel said Punjab Police summoned his client between May 17 and May 30. After Mr. Singh's arrest, Punjab Police claimed that it had unearthed a "terror-backed espionage network" linking him to Pakistani intelligence and army officials. Police said that the YouTuber was allegedly spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence. Singh was found to be associated with a Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO), was in contact with a Pakistan High Commission official who was last month expelled from New Delhi on charges of spying and had met Pakistan Army officials during one of his three visits to the neighbouring country, police said previously. Mr. Singh was also found to be associated with Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO) Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, part of a terror-backed espionage network. The accused travelled to Pakistan on three occasions, including in 2020, 2021 and 2024, and came into direct contact with ISI officers, who subsequently cultivated and recruited him to carry out espionage activities within India, police added. Investigations revealed that Mr. Singh attended the Pakistan National Day event in Delhi on Danish's invitation, where he met Pakistani Army officials and vloggers. After Ms. Malhotra's arrest, the accused Mr. Singh reportedly attempted to erase all traces of his communications with these PIOs to avoid detection. Mr. Singh is accused of relaying sensitive information about the movement of the Indian Army and other inside activities of the country to Pakistan.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Espionage case: Punjab YouTuber's police custody extended, lawyer says Haryana police summoned him in Jyoti Malhotra case
Haryana Police had summoned Punjab-based YouTuber Jasbir Singh on June 6 in the Jyoti Malhotra espionage case but before he could join the investigation, he was arrested by Punjab Police , Singh's counsel claimed on Saturday. He also denied the charge that Singh was an agent of Pakistan's spy agency ISI. A Mohali court on Saturday extended for two days the police remand of Singh, who was arrested on espionage charges on June 4. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bank-Seized Cars in the Philippines at Prices You Won't Believe! SUV Deals | Search Ads Search Now Undo Singh was produced before the court after his three-day police remand ended on Saturday. Police sought a seven-day remand of Singh but the court granted them two days, said his counsel. Live Events Jasbir Singh alias Jaan Mahal (41), a resident of village Mahlan in Rupnagar district, was running a YouTube channel "JaanMahal Video" with over 11 lakh subscribers, ostensibly posting travel and cooking vlogs. Singh was allegedly in close touch with Haryana-based influencer Jyoti Malhotra, who is in custody on charges of spying for Pakistan. After Singh's arrest, Punjab police had claimed that it unearthed a "terror-backed espionage network" linking him to Pakistani intelligence and army officials. Police had said that the YouTuber was allegedly spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Singh's counsel Mohit Dhupar said he met him in the court on Saturday. "We spoke to him. There is no such thing that is being said in the media that he was an ISI agent," said Dhupar, claiming he was just a vlogger. Dhupar said Singh was summoned by Punjab Police from May 17 till May 30. He had already given his mobile phone and laptop to the police, said the counsel. Dhupar said on June 2, Hisar police summoned Singh to join the investigation in the Jyoti Malhotra case on June 6. When Punjab Police came to know about him being summoned by the Haryana police, Singh was asked to appear on June 3 and he was arrested on June 4, said the counsel. "Punjab Police might have felt that if Haryana Police arrested Singh, it would be their insult", claimed Dhupar. The counsel said there was no mention of Singh being summoned from May 17 to May 30 in the FIR. Hisar native Malhotra (33) who was running a YouTube channel 'Travel with JO' was arrested last month. To a question on Punjab Police claiming that 150 Pakistani contacts were retrieved from his phone, Dhupar said there was no such thing. "Many people visited Pakistan multiple times. Did they become guilty (of doing wrong) by visiting the neighbouring nation," he said while replying to a question. On Pakistani YouTuber Nasir Dhillon's alleged link to a spy network, Dhupar said the police did not take Dhillon's name in the court while seeking Singh's remand. Nasir Dhillon, a former Pakistani police official, runs a YouTube channel 'Punjabi Lehar'. He has claimed to unite families divided during partition in 1947. His role is reportedly under investigation for possible links to the espionage network unearthed by Indian authorities. Asked whether Singh gave his laptop to Pakistani official Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, Dhupar denied it and said when Singh visited Pakistan, his laptop was examined for a routine security check. On May 13, India expelled Danish, who was posted at the Pakistan High Commission, for allegedly indulging in espionage. Jasbir Singh was allegedly found to be associated with a Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO). He was in contact with a Pakistan High Commission official who was recently expelled from New Delhi on charges of spying and had met Pakistan Army officials during one of his three visits to the neighbouring country, police had earlier said. He was allegedly in close contact with Jyoti Malhotra who was earlier arrested by Haryana Police on espionage charges. Singh was found to be associated with Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO) Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa. The accused had also travelled to Pakistan on three occasions including in 2020, 2021 and 2024, and came into direct contact with ISI officers, who subsequently cultivated and recruited him to carry out espionage activities within India, police had said. Investigations revealed that Singh attended the Pakistan National Day event in Delhi on Danish's invitation, where he met Pakistani Army officials and vloggers. After Jyoti Malhotra's arrest, accused Singh had attempted to erase all traces of his communications with these PIOs to avoid detection, police had said. The police had alleged that Singh was in touch with many Pakistan-based entities including ISI agents and had been providing sensitive information about the movement of the Indian Army and other inside activities of the country to Pakistan.
