Pakistan army chief Asim Munir courts US opinion makers amid bid to reset strategic ties

Time of India

3 hours ago

ISLAMABAD: In a bid to recalibrate Pakistan's global narrative and bolster ties with Washington, Field Marshal Syed
concluded a series of high-level engagements in the United States, meeting senior American scholars, strategic experts, and international media representatives during an official visit to Washington DC, the Pakistani military said on Friday.
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In a carefully choreographed diplomatic offensive, Munir interacted with leading think tanks and policy institutions, offering what officials described as 'Pakistan's principled perspectives' on evolving regional and global dynamics. His engagements underscored Islamabad's renewed focus on international outreach amid a shifting geopolitical landscape in South Asia.
The army chief reiterated Pakistan's commitment to regional stability, counterterrorism, and a rules-based global order, pitching the country as a responsible actor in an increasingly multipolar world.
Munir spoke at length about Pakistan's counter-terrorism strategy, highlighting military operations such as Maarka-e-Haqa and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. He reminded his audience of Pakistan's role as a frontline state in the global war on terror, citing the 'immense sacrifices' borne by its security forces and civilians.
Without naming India, Munir warned against 'regional actors using terrorism as an instrument of hybrid warfare' – a familiar refrain in Pakistan's diplomatic lexicon referring to its neighbour.
While not new, the accusation resurfacing in the US capital, signalling Pakistan's intent to shape the security discourse in South Asia.
Munir also showcased Pakistan's economic aspirations. He pitched the country's untapped potential in IT, agriculture, and mineral wealth, calling on global stakeholders to invest in these 'engines of shared prosperity'.
From foreign policy to economic diplomacy, Munir portrayed Pakistan as a country pursuing dialogue, diplomacy, and international law — an image Islamabad has been keen to project as it seeks to distance itself from past reputational baggage.
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Discussing Pakistan-US relations, Munir called for transforming the historical security-centric engagement into a multidimensional partnership grounded in strategic convergence and mutual respect. He acknowledged past cooperation on counterterrorism and economic development but pushed for a broader framework of engagement.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army's media affairs wing, participants appreciated the candid nature of the discussions and acknowledged Pakistan's efforts to maintain regional stability.
The meetings were seen as a trust-building exercise amid evolving US priorities in the Indo-Pacific region and growing scepticism over Islamabad's commitments.
The visit comes at a time when Pakistan is striving to reset ties with major powers, especially after its recent economic crises and shifting regional alignments. With India drawing closer to the US and Afghanistan remaining volatile, Islamabad is attempting to reposition itself as an indispensable — if complicated — regional player.