In a rare and strategically significant move, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, for a closed-door lunch at the White House today. The meeting, scheduled for 1:00 PM (local time) in the historic Cabinet Room, comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly between Israel and Iran, and is being closely watched by global observers.
🛡️ Strategic Timing Amid Iran-Israel Conflict
The luncheon follows Trump’s dramatic call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” on Truth Social, and Pakistan’s recent decision to shut down land and air routes with Iran, citing security concerns. Analysts suggest the U.S. may be seeking Islamabad’s cooperation in the event of a broader regional conflict.
🤝 First White House Invite Since Musharraf Era
This marks the first time since 2001 that a Pakistani military leader has been hosted at the White House, elevating Munir’s stature both domestically and internationally. The visit is part of a five-day bilateral trip aimed at strengthening military and counterterrorism cooperation between the two nations.
🔥 Protests and Political Backlash
Munir’s visit has sparked protests from Pakistani-Americans, particularly supporters of former PM Imran Khan, who accuse the Army Chief of human rights violations and undermining democracy. Demonstrators gathered outside his hotel in Washington, chanting slogans like “Mass murderer” and “Dictator”.
🗣️ Diverging Views on Iran
While Trump has taken a hardline stance against Tehran, Munir has publicly expressed solidarity with Iran, calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. This divergence adds a layer of complexity to the meeting, raising questions about policy alignment.
📋 Agenda: Counterterrorism, Regional Stability, and Strategic Minerals
Though no official agenda has been released, discussions are expected to cover:
- Counterterrorism cooperation
- Regional security in South Asia and West Asia
- Critical minerals and crypto regulation
- Pakistan’s role in the evolving Iran-Israel standoff
