ISLAMABAD:
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir praised US President Donald Trump on Sunday for his efforts to stop “many wars”, including brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May.
The army chief, who is on an official visit to the United States, held high-level engagements with senior American political and military leadership as well as the Pakistani diaspora, according to a statement issued here by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Speaking to the Pakistani Americans, the army chief said that Pakistan achieved notable successes on the diplomatic front, while praising President Trump’s leadership for helping avert wars and creating opportunities for renewed bilateral engagement. The army chief described overseas Pakistanis as the country’s strength, calling their role as a “brain gain” rather than a brain drain. He said the new generation’s ideas, priorities, and global connections were a valuable national asset, with the potential to accelerate Pakistan’s progress.
He stressed that the nation’s prosperity was closely tied to its global diaspora. He also said that an anticipated Pakistan-US trade deal would bring foreign investment to the country.
Highlighting Pakistan’s demographic advantage, the COAS noted that 64% of its population was under the age of 30. He urged expatriates to use their resources and influence to channel investment into the country, adding that national development was inseparable from global engagement.
On security and regional issues, the army chief reiterated that Pakistan had no sympathy for terrorists and was committed to bringing them to justice.
He expressed concern over India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) being involved in acts of terrorism, warning that such activities were a matter of grave concern. He vowed a swift and forceful response to any Indian aggression.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir, the army chief said that it was not an internal matter of India but an internationally recognised dispute, echoing Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s description of it as Pakistan’s “jugular vein”.
Earlier, the army chief attended the retirement ceremony of US Central Command (Centcom) chief General Michael E Kurilla in Tampa, and the change of command ceremony for Admiral Brad Cooper, who has taken over the role.
The COAS praised the outgoing commander’s role in strengthening bilateral military cooperation and expressed confidence in continued collaboration under the new leadership.
He also met Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, discussing matters of mutual professional interest and inviting him to visit Pakistan. On the sidelines, the army chief interacted with defence chiefs from other friendly countries.
While addressing members of the Pakistani diaspora, the COAS urged them to remain optimistic about Pakistan’s future and contribute towards attracting investment to the country. The expatriates, in turn, pledged to support Pakistan’s progress.
The visit comes just two months after the army chief’s high-profile trip to Washington, where he met US President Donald Trump and senior administration officials. That visit, viewed as a significant step in recalibrating Islamabad-Washington ties, took place against the backdrop of a cooling in US-India relations.
Observers say the renewed military-to-military contacts could pave the way for broader cooperation, particularly in regional security and counterterrorism efforts. According to sources, security cooperation between Pakistan and the US has never been so strong as it is right now.
Unlike the previous Biden administration, the current US dispensation has more open approach towards Pakistan. There has been growing realisation in the Trump Administration that Pakistan, contrary to the perception, has shown great willingness to work with Washington.
On the other hand, the view about India in Washington has changed quite dramatically as many US officials view their Indian counterparts arrogant and less receptive to issues of concerns.
