What Did Pak Army Chief Munir Discuss With Trump for Over Two Hours?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant meeting, Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir discussed crucial global issues with US President Trump. From counter-terrorism to trade relations, the talks lasted over two hours amid protests against Munir's human rights record. What implications does this meeting have for Pakistan and its relationship with the US?
Key Takeaways
- Meeting Duration: Extended discussions show depth in dialogue.
- Key Topics: Focused on counter-terrorism and trade relations.
- Protests: Significant backlash from Pakistani diaspora against Munir.
- Future Relations: Potential for strengthened US-Pakistan ties.
- Global Challenges: Emphasis on addressing multifaceted global issues.
Islamabad, June 19 (NationPress) - Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir engaged in extensive discussions regarding counter-terrorism efforts, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and the enhancement of bilateral trade during his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, as reported by the Pakistani military's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday.
The meeting occurred amidst widespread protests by members of the Pakistani diaspora and supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, casting a shadow over Munir's visit to the US.
Sources indicate that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs Steve Witkoff participated in the discussions. Munir was accompanied by Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik, the Director General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
As noted by the ISPR, the meeting, which was initially planned for one hour, extended to over two hours, highlighting the depth and warmth of the dialogue.
Topics of discussion also included opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in various fields such as trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies.
President Trump expressed a strong interest in establishing a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan, focusing on long-term strategic alignment and shared interests. Munir acknowledged Trump's leadership and his capability to navigate the complex challenges faced by the global community, according to ISPR.
Despite the potential strengthening of military and strategic ties with Washington, Munir’s visit was marked by significant backlash from overseas Pakistanis, leading to intense protests outside his hotel in Washington.
Demonstrators accused Munir of human rights violations, labeling him as “Pakistanio ke qatil” and “Islamabad ke qatil”, meaning “killer of Pakistanis” and “killers of Islamabad”.
A viral video showed one protester shouting “Geedad, geedad, geedad”, a term implying cowardice and deceit, which analysts deemed a public humiliation for the Pakistani military.
Pakistani-Americans at the demonstration emphasized their aim to remind General Munir of the alleged crimes he is accountable for against the Pakistani populace.
This marks Munir's first official visit to the US since the April 22 terror attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the death of 26 civilians.
The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front, a faction of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Point of View
It is crucial to remain neutral while reporting significant diplomatic engagements. The meeting between General Munir and President Trump, while promising for bilateral ties, cannot overlook the concerns raised by protests. The national interest must always guide our approach to such high-stakes dialogues.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics were discussed in the meeting between Munir and Trump?
The discussions included counter-terrorism, Middle Eastern tensions, and expanding bilateral trade, along with cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Why were there protests during Munir's visit?
Protests were led by members of the Pakistani diaspora and supporters of Imran Khan's PTI, accusing Munir of human rights violations and expressing their discontent with his leadership.
What was the significance of the meeting's duration?
The meeting extended from one hour to over two, indicating a substantial and cordial dialogue between the two leaders.
Who accompanied General Munir during his meeting?
General Munir was accompanied by Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik, the Director General of Pakistan’s ISI.
What was the outcome of the meeting?
The outcome highlighted a potential for a mutually beneficial trade partnership and strengthened military ties, despite the backdrop of protests.
