In a rare and highly significant diplomatic engagement, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday. During the extended luncheon meeting in the Cabinet Room, Field Marshal Munir praised Trump for his “constructive and result-oriented role” in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India after last month’s intense armed conflict.
The meeting, originally scheduled for one hour, lasted more than two, underscoring the weight of the issues under discussion. President Trump was accompanied by Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio and US Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs Steve Witkoff, while Field Marshal Munir was joined by Pakistan’s National Security Adviser.
According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Munir commended President Trump’s “statesmanship and his ability to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges” facing the global community. In response, President Trump lauded Munir’s leadership and decisiveness during a volatile period in South Asia, appreciating Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and counter-terrorism cooperation.
The two leaders also discussed the US-brokered ceasefire agreement, which ended an 87-hour-long conflict that saw both Pakistan and India engage in cross-border airstrikes following the Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir. India had blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting evidence, prompting retaliatory strikes and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, during which Pakistan downed six Indian jets.
Broadening Bilateral Cooperation Beyond Security
Beyond the ceasefire, the two sides engaged in forward-looking discussions about enhancing bilateral ties in trade and technology. The ISPR confirmed that topics included economic development, AI, energy, cryptocurrency, mining, and emerging technologies.
President Trump reportedly showed “keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership” with Pakistan, citing shared strategic interests and long-term convergence. The dialogue signaled an intent to broaden the US-Pakistan relationship beyond traditional security cooperation and into areas of economic growth and innovation.
Trump’s administration sees Pakistan as a critical player in regional stability, especially given Islamabad’s geographic and strategic proximity to Iran, Afghanistan, and China. During the meeting, President Trump remarked, “Well, they [Pakistan] know Iran better than most,” further hinting at Islamabad’s role in shaping broader Middle Eastern dynamics.
In a notable diplomatic gesture, Field Marshal Munir invited President Trump to undertake an official visit to Pakistan, a move welcomed by Washington and seen as a symbol of renewed warmth in bilateral relations.
Conflict in the Middle East and Calls for Peace
Another key point of discussion was the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Both leaders agreed on the urgent need for a resolution and emphasized diplomacy over escalation. The White House stressed that Pakistan’s input was valuable, given its historical and strategic understanding of the region.
Field Marshal Munir’s visit comes at a time when the Middle East is witnessing dangerous escalations, and the US is seeking partners that can help de-escalate tensions and promote peace. The Pakistani army chief reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue, regional stability, and humanitarian solutions to global conflicts.
President Trump, during a separate briefing with journalists, expressed gratitude to Munir for his role in ending hostilities with India. He also reaffirmed his offer to mediate the longstanding Kashmir dispute, emphasizing that peace in South Asia remains a priority for his administration.
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