Latest news with #PakistaniAmericans
Economic Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Such a thing as a free Munir lunch
Agencies Representational Washington: Asim Munir was getting late for his lunch at the White House. He couldn't decide what to wear. Go in civvies, or flaunt the field marshal look to impress the host who has a thing for uniforms? The occasion demanded T, a.k.a. Babaji, was going to bless Munir as de facto ruler of Pakistan. No civilians allowed. Indeed, Pakistan's ambassador was told to wait outside along with Mohsin Naqvi, the interior minister no less, who has been following Munir like a pet on this trip. Only the ISI chief - and Munir's namesake - Asim Malik was allowed. Guess what the puffed-up field marshal said about Pakistan's PM before his big day out? He told the Pakistani diaspora where he was garlanded and showered with petals and paid for by rich Pakistani Americans, 'Even if a dog becomes prime minister and does a good job, you have to appreciate that.' Spoken like a man who sees many years in power. But, then, who cares about democracy or the people in Pakistan? Not the Americans. Forget Babaji. Even Bidenji's state department couldn't bring itself to utter a word about all the electoral rigging Munir did to keep Imran Khan in jail and the Sharif Bros in power. Trump cares about business, and his Nobel to the lunch. The meeting was such a secret and the blessing ceremony so private, no photos were released. As a cynical Pakistani said, the only statement to be released was the menu. 'ALL FOOD IS HALAL', the menu card declared in all caps lest the field marshal miss the fine print. He didn't go to elite schools, you see, and carries affiliated complexes that play out in violent ways. He must prove he course was carefully chosen - goat cheese gateau, tomato jam, buttermilk biscuit crumbles and young variegated lettuces - to soften the guests. The main course - rack of spring lamb, burnt cipollini soubise, Carolina gold rice and jambalaya - was designed to make them delirious with self-importance. Babaji - assisted by Marco Rubio, who must explain Baba-speak to the world as his NSA and secretary of state - got down to business over dessert (nectarine tart and ice cream). 'Can you bring Iran to lunch?' 'Don't worry, Respected Sir, my country is your country. My Balochistan is your Balochistan. My intel is your intel,' replied the two Asims in unison. Satisfied, the seeker left the room and later went on camera to repeat the new mantra: Pakistan is great, etc. Puffed, chuffed and nearly bursting with hot air, the field marshal proceeded to his next engagement - a dinner at the Pakistani embassy with think-tankers, usual former ambassadors, four Congressional aides and five Western journalists (Pakistani journos weren't invited).But the guests had to sing for their supper, and how. The rags-to-riches-to-field marshal delivered a 90-mn screed on 'Poor Pakistan, Evil India: A Very Selective and Revisionist History' with excerpts on 'The Unbelievable Greatness of President Trump'. He banged his fist on the table, he railed and promised revenge if India stopped the audience was bored to tears - the guests already knew the history. To make matters worse, they were sweating buckets. Literally. The air- conditioning at the embassy had reportedly gone kaput, much like democracy back home. But Munir wasn't quite done. Cue in a few propaganda videos. How about visiting Pakistan for tourism and retracing the old 'hippie trail'? And try the new highs. Weed is so yesterday. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. How Vedanta's Anil Agarwal bettered Warren Buffett in returns Rivers are moving more goods than before. But why aren't they making a splash yet? Why Infy's Parekh takes home more than TCS' CEO despite being smaller Is India ready to hit the aspirational 8% growth mark? Aadit Palicha on Zepto dark store raid, dark patterns, and IPO Stock Radar: MCX rallies over 50% in just 3 months to hit fresh highs! What should investors do in June – buy or book profits? Metal stocks: Candidates for tactical and contrarian investing? 6 metal stocks with an upside potential of up to 39% Weekly Top Picks: These stocks scored 10 on 10 on Stock Reports Plus
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Days after denying invitation, Trump finally agrees to meet Asim Munir..., Pakistan Army chief is in Washington for...
Days after denying invitation, Trump finally agrees to meet Asim Munir..., Pakistan Army chief is in Washington for... Days after White House denied inviting General Syed Asim Munir to the US Army's 250th anniversary celebrations on June 14, US President Donald Trump will meet Pakistan's Army Chief, reports said. Munir is in Washington on an official visit. The report said the Pakistan Army Chief arrived in Washington on Sunday for a five-day official trip that is 'primarily bilateral in nature' and aimed at reinforcing military and strategic ties with the United States. The timing of the meeting is critical, as it comes during an escalating high-stakes conflict between Israel and Iran. The Pakistani military leader will meet the US leader for lunch, scheduled to take place at 1:00 PM (Washington time) on Wednesday, in the White House, according to the president's daily public schedule. Munir is also expected to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on his US trip, according to a report by Pakistani daily Dawn. Munir unwelcomed However, his trip was not well received by several Pakistani nationals and Pakistani Americans, who protested outside his hotel and near the Pakistani embassy in Washington, calling for the restoration of what they described as 'unfettered democracy' in Pakistan. The demonstrations were organised by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who confronted Munir outside the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, chanting slogans like 'Asim Munir, you are a coward', 'shame on you, mass murderer' and 'shame on you, dictator' and ' Pakistaniyon Ke Kaati (Killer of Pakistanies)' This is Munir's first official visit to the US since the military conflict with India following the deadly terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians on April 22. The clashes ended after Islamabad reached out to New Delhi with a ceasefire proposal. US President Trump had said that he used trade as leverage to broker a truce, a claim that India denied.
India Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Pakistani-Americans protest against Asim Munir in Washington DC
Pakistani Americans gathered outside the Four Seasons hotel in Washington DC, protesting against Field Marshal Asim Munir and condemning what they called his crimes against the people of Pakistan, said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in a post on X. The protests came soon after there were murmurs that the Pakistani field marshal would be attending the US Army Day parade. However, the claims were officially denied by the clarification followed reports that the US had invited General Munir, which triggered political backlash in India. The Congress party termed it a "diplomatic setback", especially in light of Operation Sindoor -- India's recent precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (POK).The protests also coincide with growing criticism within Pakistan against Munir's military leadership, marked by heightened tensions with India. Munir has faced accusations of suppressing Imran Khan's PTI party and repeatedly interfering in civilian politics, drawing condemnation from various quarters.A video posted by PTI USA's official X account displayed a slide labelling Munir as a "Mass murderer Asim Munir", alongside slogans such as "Democracy dies when guns speak", "Asim Munir, your time is up – Pakistan will rise!" and "Movement for Democratic Pakistan".The slide featured his photo in military uniform, crossed out in PTI post's caption read: "Pakistani-Americans in Washington, DC are protesting outside the Four Seasons hotel, reminding General Asim Munir of the crimes he's committed against the people of Pakistan."The post was accompanied by the hashtag # another clip seemingly from the same location, a protester was heard shouting, "Asim Munir, Islamabad ka kaatil (Asim Munir, murderer of Islamabad)", as security personnel urged him to step back from the hotel's reception likely from outside the same hotel, showed several black SUVs with flashing lights — likely part of an official convoy — arriving at the chanted, "Shame! Shame on you, free Pakistan!", "Civilian supremacy in Pakistan!", "Dictator, shame on you!", and "Shame on you, Asim Munir!", along with expletives in English and Punjabi directed at the Pakistani security attempted to disperse the protestors, one protester said, "I have freedom, I'm on the pavement," asserting they were not trespassing on private property. Security officers claimed the demonstrators were on private property premises, but the group refused to move, insisting they were standing on public individuals, seemingly officials exited the vehicles, a protester yelled "Geedad, geedad, geedad (jackal, jackal, jackal)" — a derogatory term implying cowardice and Reel
News18
27-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Martial Law In Pakistan': Imran Khan Aide Says Asim Munir Wants PTI Leader To Apologise, Surrender
Last Updated: Speaking to CNN-News18, Dr Salman Ahmad mentioned that Pakistani Americans voted for Donald Trump with hopes of removing Asim Munir from power. Dr Salman Ahmad, a close aide of Imran Khan, has claimed that martial law is effectively in place in Pakistan, with Field Marshal Asim Munir, wanting Khan to surrender and apologise to him. Speaking to CNN-News18 about the current political situation in Pakistan, Dr Salman mentioned that Pakistani Americans voted for Donald Trump with hopes of removing Asim Munir from power. He added that the United States is working on Imran Khan's release, and he believes Asim Munir will soon be ousted. According to Dr Salman, Imran Khan's support has significantly increased in Pakistan, from 66 per cent in 2024 to over 90 per cent now. He stated that there is no democratic government in Pakistan; instead, the country is under martial law controlled entirely by Asim Munir. 'The military-controlled government has reduced the judiciary, parliament, and security forces to mere rubber stamps," Dr Salman said. In Imran Khan's case, there is a complete absence of civil administration, with the sole demand being for him to apologise and surrender to Asim Munir, which Imran Khan refuses to do, he added. 'All legal avenues to free Imran Khan have been exhausted, and his supporters are preparing to start a mass movemen," he said. Dr Salman emphasised that the 250 million people of Pakistan will support Imran Khan, outnumbering the police and security forces. 'The military-controlled government fears this mass movement and uses figures like Najam Sethi and Ali Zafar to spread rumours that Imran Khan is negotiating a deal and will soon be out of jail, aiming to discourage people from protesting," he said. Imran Khan is currently in jail in Pakistan amid his ongoing conflict with the military establishment, specifically with Army Chief Asim Munir. He has refused to compromise or surrender, saying he won't bow down before the current administration or Field Marshal Asim Munir. First Published: May 27, 2025, 10:33 IST
