Latest news with #Pakistani-American
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is Sajid Tarar? The Pakistani-American who arranged the Donald Trump–Asim Munir White House meeting amid global tensions
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, for a lunch meeting at the White House. This was the first time an American president welcomed Pakistan's top military leader for such an occasion. The meeting lasted over an hour and included the presence of Pakistan's intelligence head, Lt Gen Asim Malik. According to reports, the meeting was coordinated by Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani-American businessman based in Maryland. The meeting came during a period of heightened international tension, as Trump is expected to make a key decision within two weeks on whether the U.S. will become involved in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Sajid Tarar: Republican insider and community leader Sajid Tarar, the man behind arranging the high-level meeting, has been an active voice in Republican circles for years. A resident of the Baltimore-Washington area, Tarar is known for his association with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement and founded the group "American Muslims for Trump." His proximity to the Trump administration became evident when his son secured a position at the U.S. State Department during Trump's first term. Outside of politics, Tarar runs the Centre for Social Change, a nonprofit based in Baltimore. He has also worked with various business groups and finance teams for state governors. In recent years, he has advocated for peaceful relations between India and Pakistan—a rare position within the diaspora community. Tarar moved to the U.S. in the 1990s and has since become a prominent Republican figure among Muslim Americans. What happened during the Trump-Munir lunch? During the Cabinet Room meeting, Trump publicly thanked General Munir for playing a role in preventing further escalation between India and Pakistan. 'Reason I had him here was I wanted to thank him for not going into the war and ending it,' Trump stated. US President Donald Trump | Credit: X The meeting took place just days after India and Pakistan agreed to end hostilities on May 10, following several days of heavy missile and drone attacks across the border. The lunch also unfolded against the backdrop of rising violence in West Asia, particularly the growing Israel-Iran conflict. On Thursday, Pakistan reiterated its opposition to Israeli airstrikes on Iran, calling them violations of international law. 'It imperils the entire regional security structures, it impacts us deeply,' said Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, the conflict escalated further with Iranian missiles striking a hospital and residential areas in Israel, injuring 240 people. In retaliation, Israel launched airstrikes on Iran's nuclear site at Arak, though Iranian authorities stated there was no radiation threat from the damage. As U.S. foreign policy hangs in balance, Sajid Tarar's role in bridging diplomatic ties highlights his growing influence behind the scenes.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
11 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
Who is Sajid Tarar, the man who facilitated the Donald Trump-Asim Munir lunch?
US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir for a lunch meeting at the White House on Wednesday (June 18). This was the first time a US president had welcomed the powerful head of Pakistan's military. The meeting was reportedly arranged by Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani-American businessman based in the Baltimore-Washington area, who founded the group 'American Muslims for Trump' read more He is a Pakistani-American businessman living in the Baltimore-Washington area. Reuters/File Photo US President Donald Trump welcomed Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir for a lunch meeting at the White House on Wednesday. This was the first time a US president had hosted the influential head of Pakistan's army, who is seen as playing a major role in shaping the country's national security decisions. The meeting was arranged by Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani-American businessman, according to reports. Read Israel-Iran conflict day 8 live updates here. It came at a tense moment in Washington, with Trump expected to decide in the next two weeks whether the US will join the Israel-Iran conflict. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, who is Sajid Tarar? And what happened during the Trump-Munir meeting? Let's take a look at these details: Who is Sajid Tarar? He is a Pakistani-American businessman living in the Baltimore-Washington area. He was a regular presence at the Republican National Conventions and is known for his strong links to the Make America Great Again (Maga) movement. Tarar also founded the group 'American Muslims for Trump'. His closeness to Donald Trump's circle was visible when his son got a role at the US State Department during Trump's first term. The meeting was reportedly arranged by Sajid Tarar. Reuters/File Photo Outside politics, Tarar heads the nonprofit Centre for Social Change in Baltimore, Maryland. He has served on finance teams for state governors and has held senior positions in several business and investment groups. He came into the spotlight recently for reportedly arranging the lunch meeting between Trump and Asim Munir. Beyond his work with Pakistani-Americans, Tarar has also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and backed the idea of peaceful, cooperative ties between India and Pakistan, a rare stand in a divided diaspora. He moved to the US in the 1990s, became a citizen, and has since been a prominent Republican voice among Muslim Americans. ALSO READ | What is Iran's Arak heavy water reactor 'created to build nukes' that Israel struck? Donald Trump-Asim Munir luncheon meeting During the lunch meeting on Wednesday, Trump praised Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir for his 'role' in helping prevent further escalation between India and Pakistan. Trump said, 'Reason I had him here was I wanted to thank him for not going into the war and ending it…' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The meeting, held in the Cabinet Room of the White House, lasted over an hour. Pakistan's ISI chief, Lt Gen Asim Malik, also attended alongside Munir. India and Pakistan agreed to end hostilities on May 10 after four days of heavy cross-border missile and drone attacks. The meeting came at a time when tensions were rising in West Asia, with the US weighing its role in the growing Israel-Iran conflict. Pakistan has condemned Israel's airstrikes on Iran, calling them a breach of international law and a threat to regional peace. 'This is for us a very serious issue what is happening in our brotherly country of Iran. It imperils the entire regional security structures, it impacts us deeply,' Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesman for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Thursday. Smoke rises following an Israeli attack in Tehran. WANA/Reuters Meanwhile, Israel and Iran exchanged fire again on Thursday, marking the seventh day of the ongoing conflict. Iranian missiles struck a major hospital in southern Israel and hit residential areas in Tel Aviv, injuring 240 people and causing serious damage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz held Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responsible, saying the Israeli military 'has been instructed and knows that in order to achieve all of its goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist.' Israel also carried out airstrikes on Iran's Arak heavy water reactor in a fresh attack on its nuclear infrastructure. Iranian state media reported that there was 'no radiation danger whatsoever' and said the site had been cleared ahead of the strike. The White House later said Trump will decide within two weeks whether the US will join Israel's campaign against Iran's military and nuclear targets. Trump, it said, still believes there is a chance to resolve the issue through diplomacy. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is Sajid Tarar? Republican Muslim leader & key figure behind Donald Trump meeting Pakistan army chief Asim Munir
Sajid Tarar Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani-American businessman based in the Baltimore-Washington area, has emerged as a prominent figure in American political circles for his continued support of US President Donald Trump and his advocacy for improved India-Pakistan relations. He is also associated to Pakistan's Army Chief, "Field Marshal" Asim Munir , who is scheduled to attend a lunch with Trump on Wednesday, an event unfolding amid heightened tensions in Washington, following Trump's veiled threats to eliminate Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dismantle the country's alleged nuclear weapons program in alignment with Israeli interests. Tarar is the founder of "American Muslims for Trump," a group he launched to rally support for the Republican leader among the Muslim community in the United States. A visible face at the last three Republican National Conventions, Tarar has remained closely associated with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. His influence within Trump's inner circle was evident when his son secured a position at the US state department during Trump's first term. Apart from his political engagements, Tarar is also the CEO of the nonprofit Center for Social Change in Baltimore, Maryland. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 임플란트, 지금 시작하세요 [자세히 보기] 임플란트 더 알아보기 Undo He has previously served on the finance committees of governors and held leadership roles in various investment groups and business organizations. Tarar has also drawn attention for allegedly facilitating a luncheon meeting between Trump and Asim Munir. In addition to his work with the Pakistani-American community, Tarar has also praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and voiced support for peaceful and productive India-Pakistan ties, an unusual position in a polarised diaspora. Having moved to the US in the 1990s, Tarar became a US citizen and has been a key Republican voice among Muslim Americans.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump to meet Pakistan's Munir; protesters call him 'dictator'; Iran ties in focus
US President Donald Trump is expected to hold a private lunch meeting on Wednesday with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to the official White House schedule. The meeting comes at a tense moment both globally and domestically for Munir. His visit to Washington has already drawn protests from overseas Pakistanis, many of them aligned with former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Demonstrators gathered outside the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC, chanting slogans such as 'Pakistanio ke Qatil' (murderer of Pakistanis) and 'Islamabad ke Qatil,' while waving placards calling Munir a 'mass murderer. ' One viral clip showed a protester outside the hotel shouting, 'Democracy dies when guns speak!' and 'You're a dictator!' The man, believed to be a Pakistani-American activist, added: 'You're hiding inside. I'm on public property—I have freedom!' PTI USA also circulated the protest videos, claiming it was a reminder to Munir of his alleged 'crimes against the people of Pakistan.' The backlash stems largely from Munir's crackdown on the PTI and its supporters following Khan's ouster and imprisonment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Many protesters accuse him of imposing military control under the guise of civilian rule. 'Munir has turned Pakistan into a military dictatorship cloaked in civilian rule,' a PTI USA statement said. While the US Central Command reportedly invited Munir to Washington, the White House has distanced itself from the visit. Munir was recently promoted to the rank of Field Marshal by Pakistan's federal cabinet—the second person in Pakistan's history to receive the title after Ayub Khan. The move came despite military setbacks with India, though Pakistan's government praised Munir's leadership in what it called a 'historic victory.' Adding to the complexity, Munir has voiced support for Iran amid rising tensions in West Asia. In a speech in Washington, he said Pakistan stood with Iran and hoped the conflict would end soon. This position stands in contrast to Trump's recent declarations on Truth Social, where he demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender' and claimed 'complete and total control of the skies over Iran.' Trump has also doubled down on backing Israel, making the upcoming lunch with Munir diplomatically delicate at a time when alliances are under strain.
The Print
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Print
Asim Munir features on Times Square billboard. Pakistanis ask, ‘Who paid for it?'
While the nationalists are cheering the giant digital billboards at New York's Times Square, emblazoned with messages welcoming Munir on behalf of the Pakistani-American community, others are asking uncomfortable questions: who's paying for the billboard, and is it being funded using taxpayers' money? New Delhi: Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir's picture splashed at Times Square on Sunday. Now some Pakistanis are saying it's a paid act. Munir is on a five-day visit to the US. According to Geo News, Field Marshal Asim Munir has been welcomed in New York with a week-long video campaign on Times Square's iconic billboard. The display features images of Munir, Pakistan's flag, and highlights of his meetings with US senators and Pakistani children. The report also states that the campaign was launched by local authorities to welcome Pakistan's military chief, who has received widespread acclaim for his leadership during the recent conflict with India. The visit marks one of the most visible and symbolically significant trips by a Pakistani military leader to the US in recent years. The timing is notable. It comes just weeks after military hostilities between Pakistan and India, and amid increasing scrutiny of Pakistan's domestic political and economic turmoil. Munir arrived in Washington on Sunday for a five-day official visit focused on strengthening military and strategic relations between Pakistan and the United States, Dawn reported. Not everyone is cheering The celebratory digital displays in Times Square were swiftly shared across social media platforms, with pro-establishment voices touting them as proof of Pakistan Army's international stature. 'It's global recognition of Pakistan's strength, leadership, and rising influence under Field Marshal Asim Munir,' Dr Aakifah posted on X. But not everyone was clapping. 'So who paid for that .. I mean if you don't know these billboards are paid ones, so all you have to do is give an amount for displaying whatever you want .. so my question would be who paid and how much has been paid ? As long as my tax money isn't used I don't care,' Sikander Ali asked on X. However, booking a spot on a Times Square billboard is both accessible and surprisingly affordable for the general public and is not a show of strength. A growing number of services, such as and TSX Broadway, offer anyone the chance to upload personal photos or videos and display them at Times Square. TSX Broadway, one of the most prominent venues, allows people to book a 15-second display slot starting at just $40, while Billboard charges $150. Moreover, only last week, a truck-mounted digital billboard in Times Square displayed Pakistan's top military and political leaders calling them 'liar' and 'fraud'. Funded by overseas supporters of Imran Khan's PTI, the mobile billboard featured scathing messages targeting Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and others, while portraying Khan as a political prisoner. Another X user, with quite a telling username @UncertainTimes, pointed out: 'Look how WB/ IMF loans are recycled back. Anything can be done-If you can write a check. Whole show is-all about it.' Ironically, some Pakistanis are also worried Asim Munir might be assassinated in the US. They are drawing comparisons with Israel killing Iranian generals. 'I'm getting a very bad feeling about Asim Munir going to the US at this time. Who will be responsible for his security there? Look at how Israel has annihilated Iranian generals. Cannot trust any Israeli ally right now,' a Pakistani X user, Saad, wrote. Also read: Pakistan lowest in WEF gender gap report. Pakistanis agree, say 'worst place to be a woman' PTI's doublespeak Munir's US visit was met with protests by overseas Pakistanis who are against his official trip to Washington. Many of them are supporters of Imran Khan. Videos circulated by PTI-affiliated accounts show crowds assembling in Washington, holding placards condemning the current military-led administration in Pakistan. Yet the party's top leadership appears divided. 'PTI has issued no such call,' said party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan in a statement meant to distance the party from the protests. Still, prominent PTI figures like Aleema Khan—Imran Khan's sister—have publicly supported the demonstrations, leaving observers to wonder whether the party's messaging is fractured or strategically ambiguous. 'Intra party factionalism, doublespeak or pragmatism?' Pakistani author Raza Rumi asked on X. (Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)
