COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir to Visit U.S. Amid Strengthening Pakistan-U.S. Ties
The June meeting took place in the tense aftermath of a brief but intense military conflict between Pakistan and India.
ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is set to travel to the United States this week, marking his second visit in less than two months, according to foreign media reports. The visit comes amid deepening diplomatic and economic engagement between Islamabad and Washington.
Field Marshal Munir will attend the retirement ceremony of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Michael Kurilla, who has been a vocal supporter of Pakistan. During his recent visit to Pakistan, General Kurilla was awarded the prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) by President Asif Ali Zardari on July 26, in recognition of his contributions to bilateral military cooperation.
While no official schedule has been released, speculation remains high regarding possible additional meetings during the COAS’s trip. His last visit to the U.S. in June included a rare and high-profile one-on-one meeting with former President Donald Trump at the White House Cabinet Room. The meeting was attended by Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio, U.S. Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs Steve Witkoff, and Pakistan’s National Security Adviser.
Trump-Munir Talks: Ceasefire and Strategic Cooperation
The June meeting took place in the tense aftermath of a brief but intense military conflict between Pakistan and India. The conflict erupted after Indian airstrikes, which New Delhi claimed targeted militants allegedly linked to the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). In response, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, downing six Indian Air Force jets—including three Rafales—during the 87-hour-long skirmish.
The cross-border escalation resulted in the martyrdom of 40 Pakistani civilians and 13 armed forces personnel, prompting international concern. The U.S. stepped in to de-escalate tensions, with Washington reportedly brokering a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
During the meeting, Field Marshal Munir praised Trump’s “constructive and result-oriented role”, highlighting his leadership in facilitating the ceasefire. In turn, Trump commended Munir’s “firm leadership and strategic foresight” during the crisis.
The high-level huddle also addressed regional challenges, including tensions with Iran, and explored expanded cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies.
Pakistan-U.S. Trade Breakthrough Follows Military Diplomacy
Field Marshal Munir’s visit paved the way for a breakthrough trade agreement between Pakistan and the United States. The deal was finalized during Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s subsequent meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Trade Representative. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, and Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul were also present.
According to Pakistan’s Finance Ministry, the agreement will result in a reduction of tariffs, particularly on Pakistani exports to the U.S., and marks a “fresh start in economic cooperation” between the two countries.
Former President Trump also confirmed the trade deal on social media, stating that both nations will work together to develop Pakistan’s “massive oil reserves”, with discussions underway to select the American company that will lead the project.
The agreement extends to cooperation in energy, mineral resources, IT, blockchain technology, and other strategic sectors, reflecting a broadening of ties between the two allies beyond traditional defense partnerships.
As Field Marshal Asim Munir prepares for his upcoming U.S. visit, observers view the trip as another key milestone in the evolving Pakistan-U.S. relationship—shaped by both geopolitical necessity and emerging economic opportunities.
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