Did the US Invite Pak Army Chief Asim Munir to its Military Parade?

Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Washington on Sunday for a five-day official visit that aimed at strengthening military and strategic relations between Pakistan and the United States, according to diplomatic sources.

The visit is described as “primarily bilateral in nature” and is not officially connected to the US Army’s 250th anniversary celebrations on June 14.

Although Field Marshal Munir did not attend the military parade, some sources speculated that he spent two days at the US Central Command in Tampa, Florida. The Pakistani embassy in Washington has, however, declined to confirm or deny this.

The visit includes scheduled meetings with senior US officials, including the Secretaries of Defence and State, as well as top US military commanders.

Protests and Regional Tensions Surround Visit

Meanwhile, PTI supporters protested outside the Pakistan embassy in Washington on Saturday, calling for the return of what they called “unfettered democracy” in Pakistan.

One protest organiser said, “We believe the army chief is in Washington, and that’s why we’re here.” The embassy again chose not to comment on the visit at that time.

Michael Kugelman, a South Asia analyst based in Washington, said the visit comes at a complicated moment following Israeli strikes on Iran.

“Pakistan wants to cultivate US support but has condemned the Israeli strikes and is working to strengthen ties with Tehran,” Kugelman said.

“For Gen Asim Munir to be in the capital of Israel’s closest ally and Iran’s primary adversary at such a tense moment could lead to some uncomfortable conversations,” he added.

He added that while counterterrorism cooperation would likely dominate the talks, broader partnership goals might be harder to achieve.

Shuja Nawaz from the Atlantic Council also noted, “Washington sees Pakistan in the China camp but as a useful counterterrorism base,” adding that the US prioritises trade and tech ties with India, making the strategic dynamic unbalanced.