Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, is currently visiting the United States and is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump over lunch on Wednesday, according to the official White House itinerary.
Munir’s visit has sparked protests from overseas Pakistanis and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters. Demonstrations were held in Washington, DC on Monday, where protesters chanted slogans like “Pakistanio ke Qatil” and “Islamabad ke Qatil” during an event organised in Munir’s honour.
Nazia Imtiaz Hussain, Executive Director of The Alliance Organisation, shared a protest video on X, condemning Munir as a "criminal dictator" and criticising those supporting him. PTI USA also circulated videos of protests outside the Four Seasons Hotel, accusing Munir of committing crimes against the Pakistani people. The protests coincide with rising geopolitical tensions. On Tuesday, President Trump issued a stark message on Truth Social, demanding “unconditional surrender” from Iran. He claimed the US had full air control over Iran and knew the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader, warning that America’s “patience is wearing thin.”
In contrast, General Munir has publicly expressed support for Iran. In a speech during his visit, he stated that Pakistan stands with Iran and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. This stance adds a layer of complexity to his meeting with Trump, given the US President’s hardened position on Iran. The current crisis in West Asia escalated after a series of Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian military and nuclear facilities, prompting retaliatory attacks from Iran. Trump has reaffirmed his support for Israel and stressed that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons.
General Munir’s recent remarks on India have also drawn attention. Just weeks before the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed several Indian tourists, Munir had reiterated Pakistan’s doctrine of “bleeding India by a thousand cuts,” underscoring Islamabad’s aggressive stance.
In May, Pakistan’s federal cabinet approved Munir’s elevation to the rank of Field Marshal, making him only the second person in the country’s history to receive the title. The government cited his leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and the Indo-Pak confrontation known as Marka-i-Haq as justification for the move, despite acknowledged strategic setbacks.
While military analysts have criticised the operation’s outcomes, Pakistan’s government has hailed it as a “historic victory,” crediting Munir’s leadership. With this elevation, Munir joins the ranks of Field Marshal Ayub Khan, Pakistan’s first and only other officer to hold the title—a rank Ayub conferred upon himself after taking power in the 1958 military coup.
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