Trump invited Pakistan’s army commander, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, to the White House for the first time without any civilian leadership and said he felt “honoured” to meet him.
The Cabinet Room was the setting for the closed-door session. This follows an Indian team’s meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, which Indian media applauded as a diplomatic triumph. Islamabad is now describing Munir’s invitation as a counter-success.
Speaking to the media, Trump said, “I was honoured to meet him (Field Marshal Munir) today.” When asked about the Iran-Israel conflict, Trump said, “They (Pakistan) know Iran very well, better than most… He (Munir) agreed with me.”
Calling both “very smart people,” he expressed gratitude to PM Modi and Munir “for not going into the war [with India].” He added that both dodged a possible nuclear catastrophe.
“This guy was exceedingly powerful in preventing it (India-Pakistan battle) from the Pakistan side,” Trump added. Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari lauded the session, claiming it was “a positive step in Pakistan-US relations.” He added, “India has resisted attempts toward peace… Pakistan recognises peace is in both countries’ interest.”
“India’s weaponising of water, persecution in Kashmir, and politicisation of terrorism are untenable,” he added.
Michael Kugelman, a South Asia expert, said the conference addressed minerals, bitcoin, counterterrorism, and Kashmir in addition to Iran-Israel. With a rare five-star rating, Munir remarked India has to act as a “civilised country.” Describing them as a “pretext for aggression,” he dismissed Indian accusations about Pakistan’s role in the Pahalgam attack.
Munir said at a Washington community event, “We would rather welcome martyrdom than endure this shame.” Despite PTI demonstrations outside, the event received extensive backing. Munir supported US initiatives to halt the fighting and showed support for Iran’s battle with Israel. He stated, “We want this war to cease at once.”
Pakistani and the United States also tightened their counterterrorism collaboration. US Centcom head Gen. Kurilla lauded Pakistan, labelling it a “phenomenal ally.” Following Munir’s phone call, Pakistan had caught ISK leader Mohammad Sharifullah and extradited him. Kurilla verified that Pakistan’s operatives destroyed safe havens and killed tens of ISK militants.
Kurilla said Pakistan still plays a crucial role in regional security even after 1,000 terrorist attacks and more than 3,000 fatalities in a year. Munir referred to Pakistanis living overseas as a “brain gain” during the diaspora gathering. Though he steered clear of politics, he reminded the audience that “democratic societies must protect the right to dissent.”
Joint promises to create a better Pakistan concluded the visit.
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