The meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at the White House has become a major topic of discussion in light of recent developments in South Asia and the Middle East. This meeting was particularly significant because Field Marshal Asim Munir was the first official figure to visit the White House after the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan last month. But that’s not the only reason the meeting was considered important. At a time of heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, the Pakistani Army Chief had visited Iran at the end of last month, before the start of the conflict. It held meetings with Iran’s military leadership. Last night, both before and after his meeting with Field Marshal Asim Munir, President Donald Trump praised him. Speaking to journalists on the White House lawn before the meeting, Trump said, “This man (General Asim Munir) used his influence on behalf of Pakistan to prevent a war with India.” He added that he had invited the Pakistani Field Marshal to the White House to express his gratitude for preventing war with India.
Regarding the Iran-Israel conflict, Trump remarked, “Pakistan knows Iran very well.” The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, issued a statement saying that the meeting emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully. The statement also noted that President Trump appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability, as well as the counterterrorism cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan. According to ISPR, the two also discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in various areas, including trade, economic development, minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies. On Thursday, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that the meeting between Field Marshal Asim Munir and President Trump is a milestone in U.S.-Pakistan relations. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “There is no prior example of a U.S. President inviting and meeting the Pakistani Army Chief. This is the most important turning point in the 78-year history of U.S.-Pakistan relations.” He further stated, “The way international and regional issues were discussed during this meeting highlighted Pakistan’s significance. The role Pakistan can play in resolving such issues was acknowledged.”
Analysts who closely monitor Washington, as well as sources familiar with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir’s visit to the U.S., have commented on the discussions held during the meeting between the U.S. President and the Pakistani military chief. Statements from both the Pakistani military and the U.S. President confirm that the Iran-Israel conflict was a topic of conversation during the meeting. However, a civilian source in Washington, familiar with the visit, said, “Pakistan did not offer any advice to the U.S. regarding the Iran-Israel war.” The same sources in Washington added, “The Pakistani leadership believes that a diplomatic solution is possible, and has conveyed the same message to Iran—that harming U.S. interests in the Middle East would not be appropriate, and the rest of the issues can be resolved diplomatically.” Experts appear divided on Pakistan's role in the Iran-Israel conflict. Dr. Kamran Bokhari, affiliated with New Lines Institute, stated, “In my view, Pakistan is likely to urge Iran to seek a diplomatic path out of the current conflict and avoid further escalation.” Muhammad Faisal, an Australia-based analyst with a deep understanding of Pakistan’s foreign policy, believes that Pakistan’s role in the Iran issue is very limited. He said, “President Trump is partially correct in saying that Pakistan holds significance concerning Iran because, as a neighboring country, Pakistan is affected by both security and political developments in Iran. However, Pakistan’s role in any internal developments in Iran remains quite limited.” Referring to Field Marshal Asim Munir’s recent visit to Iran, he added, “The visits by the Pakistani Prime Minister and Army Chief to Iran were not the focus of Asim Munir’s trip to the U.S.” He believes that the visits to Iran in May were part of ongoing regional diplomacy, which Pakistan began after the recent conflict with India came to an end.
The recent conflict between Pakistan and India lasted for four days, after which both countries agreed to a ceasefire. While Pakistan’s political and military leadership appears to credit U.S. President Donald Trump for facilitating the truce, there has been no such acknowledgment from the Indian government regarding America's role in achieving the ceasefire. Kamran Bokhari, associated with the New Lines Institute, says: “Relations between India and the U.S. began evolving around the 85-hour-long war between India and Pakistan, and the tariff issues.” “It seems that Trump is trying to send a message to New Delhi by giving positive signals through Islamabad.” On the other hand, foreign policy and security analyst Muhammad Faisal states that: “The India-Pakistan conflict can only attract limited attention. Trump is dealing with multiple crises, and Pakistan and India are unlikely to remain the focus of U.S. attention for long.” After the conflict ended, both Pakistan and India sent delegations to Western capitals to present their respective positions. Pakistan has repeatedly expressed its willingness to hold talks with India and has also shown interest in having President Trump mediate. However, India has not responded positively to this offer. Sources familiar with Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Washington said: “Pakistan’s leadership is ready to engage in dialogue with India on all issues, including terrorism.” “However, Pakistani leadership believes that if India refuses to engage in dialogue, so be it—but without dialogue, disputes between the two countries will continue to resurface.”
Analyst Muhammad Faisal says that earlier this year, Pakistan and the United States initiated counterterrorism cooperation, and since then, bilateral relations have been improving. "This was acknowledged by the CENTCOM Commander as well, and both sides intend to maintain this positive momentum as it serves the interests of both countries." Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also described the meeting between Field Marshal Asim Munir and Donald Trump as a "milestone" in Pakistan-U.S. relations. A source familiar with Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit and based in Washington said: "Under President Donald Trump’s administration, relations between Pakistan and the U.S. are improving. Pakistani leadership believes that former President Biden’s tenure was not favorable for bilateral ties." "The Biden administration’s stance on Pakistan’s missile program was problematic." It is worth noting that former President Joe Biden’s administration imposed multiple sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program during his time in office
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