Pakistani-Americans protest against Asim Munir in Washington DC

India Today

a day ago

Pakistani Americans gathered outside the Four Seasons hotel in Washington DC, protesting against Field Marshal Asim Munir and condemning what they called his crimes against the people of Pakistan, said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in a post on X. The protests came soon after there were murmurs that the Pakistani field marshal would be attending the US Army Day parade. However, the claims were officially denied by the US.advertisementThe clarification followed reports that the US had invited General Munir, which triggered political backlash in India. The Congress party termed it a "diplomatic setback", especially in light of Operation Sindoor -- India's recent precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (POK).The protests also coincide with growing criticism within Pakistan against Munir's military leadership, marked by heightened tensions with India.
Munir has faced accusations of suppressing Imran Khan's PTI party and repeatedly interfering in civilian politics, drawing condemnation from various quarters.A video posted by PTI USA's official X account displayed a slide labelling Munir as a "Mass murderer Asim Munir", alongside slogans such as "Democracy dies when guns speak", "Asim Munir, your time is up – Pakistan will rise!" and "Movement for Democratic Pakistan".The slide featured his photo in military uniform, crossed out in red.advertisementThe PTI post's caption read: "Pakistani-Americans in Washington, DC are protesting outside the Four Seasons hotel, reminding General Asim Munir of the crimes he's committed against the people of Pakistan."The post was accompanied by the hashtag #IslamabadMassacre.In another clip seemingly from the same location, a protester was heard shouting, "Asim Munir, Islamabad ka kaatil (Asim Munir, murderer of Islamabad)", as security personnel urged him to step back from the hotel's reception area.Footage, likely from outside the same hotel, showed several black SUVs with flashing lights — likely part of an official convoy — arriving at the venue.Protesters chanted, "Shame! Shame on you, free Pakistan!", "Civilian supremacy in Pakistan!", "Dictator, shame on you!", and "Shame on you, Asim Munir!", along with expletives in English and Punjabi directed at the Pakistani general.When security attempted to disperse the protestors, one protester said, "I have freedom, I'm on the pavement," asserting they were not trespassing on private property. Security officers claimed the demonstrators were on private property premises, but the group refused to move, insisting they were standing on public space.As individuals, seemingly officials exited the vehicles, a protester yelled "Geedad, geedad, geedad (jackal, jackal, jackal)" — a derogatory term implying cowardice and deceit.Trending Reel