Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to Visit U.S. Again Amid Strengthening Pakistan-U.S. Ties
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, is set to embark on his second official visit to the United States within two months, according to foreign media reports on Thursday.
This high-level visit underscores the growing diplomatic and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and the U.S., particularly in the fields of defense, trade, and emerging technologies.
🎖 Attending CENTCOM Chief’s Retirement Ceremony
The COAS will attend the retirement ceremony of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Michael Kurilla, who has been a strong proponent of deeper ties with Pakistan. General Kurilla was recently awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) by President Asif Ali Zardari on July 26 for his services in enhancing bilateral military cooperation.
🏛 Previous Visit: A High-Level Meeting at the White House
During his previous visit in June 2025, Field Marshal Munir held a rare and highly significant one-on-one meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House Cabinet Room. The meeting was also attended by U.S. Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio, Special Representative Steve Witkoff, and Pakistan’s National Security Adviser.
This meeting came at a crucial time — following a tense Pakistan-India conflict. The situation had escalated after Indian airstrikes within Pakistani territory, which New Delhi claimed were targeting terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack in IIOJK (Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir).
Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, downing six Indian fighter jets — including three Rafales — and carrying out targeted counter-strikes. The 87-hour standoff resulted in the martyrdom of 40 civilians and 13 security personnel in Pakistan.
🕊 Diplomatic Breakthroughs & Trump’s Mediation Role
The U.S. played a key role in brokering a ceasefire between the two nuclear powers. During the meeting, Field Marshal Munir praised Trump’s “constructive and result-oriented” leadership, while Trump commended the COAS’s steady and decisive role during the regional crisis.
🔍 Areas of Cooperation: Trade, Energy, Technology & More
The extended discussion also opened up new avenues of collaboration between Pakistan and the U.S. in critical sectors such as:
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Trade & Economic Development
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Energy Cooperation (including oil exploration)
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Mines & Minerals
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Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies
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Cryptocurrency & Digital Finance
🤝 New Trade Agreement Finalized
Following the visit, Pakistan and the U.S. reached a long-awaited trade agreement, paving the way for reduced tariffs and enhanced export opportunities. This breakthrough came during a high-level meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and senior U.S. trade officials.
Also present were Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, and Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul.
The Finance Ministry confirmed that the agreement will “reduce reciprocal tariffs, especially on Pakistani exports,” while U.S. officials noted new cooperation in oil exploration and energy development.
Former President Trump also took to social media, affirming the deal and announcing that both nations are in the process of selecting an oil company to lead the partnership.
📌 Looking Ahead
Though official confirmation of the full itinerary for Field Marshal Munir’s current U.S. visit is still pending, the trip reflects deepening military and economic ties between the two countries. Observers are closely watching for further announcements related to investment, defense collaboration, and regional security cooperation.
