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Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistan: Asim Munir to visit US a second time in 2 months
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is set to visit the United States for the second time in two months, a move that underscores the growing military alignment between Islamabad and Washington yet also highlights the intensifying political divisions Munir faces at home and abroad. He is expected to attend the farewell ceremony of US Central Command (Centcom) commander General Michael E Kurilla in Tampa, Florida this week. The visit follows Kurilla's own trip to Pakistan in July during which he was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), one of the country's top honours, for strengthening defence ties. This renewed military engagement reflects a strategic recalibration after years of tension. In June, Munir made headlines for being hosted at a private White House lunch by US President Donald Trump, an unprecedented gesture for a Pakistani military chief, notably unaccompanied by any civilian leaders. Trump publicly credited Munir with defusing a crisis with India following the Pahalgam terror attack, and even claimed the general helped 'avert a nuclear war'. New Delhi maintains that the cessation of hostilities was on account of an understanding between India and Pakistan to stop military action. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Might Want To Buy Baking Soda In Bulk After Reading This Read More Undo However, Munir's engagements in the US have not gone unchallenged. On Aug 5, coordinated protests erupted in multiple US and European cities on the call of imprisoned former PM Imran Khan, demanding his release and condemning the military's role in the post-May 9, 2023 crackdown. The demonstrations – organized largely by the Pakistani diaspora and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chapters – signaled Khan's continued influence despite being behind bars. These protests followed similar scenes in June during Munir's previous US visit. Outside Washington's Four Seasons Hotel, demonstrators shouted slogans such as 'mass murderer' and 'dictator', while a digital billboard in New York's Times Square branded Munir a 'fraud' and 'liar'. PTI supporters accuse the military of orchestrating a 'civilian façade' to mask what they call outright military rule. Despite mounting protests and international scrutiny, Washington appears eager to re-engage with Pakistan's military. At a congressional hearing in June, Gen Kurilla praised Pakistan as a 'phenomenal partner' in counterterrorism, citing cooperation in capturing five ISIS-Khorasan operatives using US intelligence. The Trump administration sees Pakistan's military as a critical player amid regional instability, especially as tensions flare in the Middle East and China expands its footprint across South and Central Asia. Pakistan is also offering a broader strategic package. Proposals reportedly include duty-free access for rare earth minerals, cooperation in emerging tech and cryptocurrency regulation, and expanded trade ties — all of which enhance the military's leverage in shaping foreign policy and economic outreach. But Munir's growing international profile has reignited debate over Pakistan's internal power structure. Critics say his high-level US engagements, while excluding civilian representatives, reinforce the military's dominance over national decision-making. With Khan silenced and democratic space shrinking, many fear a deepening authoritarian trajectory. Online opinion remains sharply polarised. Some hail Munir's diplomatic overtures as pragmatic and strategic, while others decry the US for legitimising what they see as military overreach. 'A slap in the face to democracy,' one PTI supporter posted. As Munir heads to Tampa, he faces a dual test: to solidify Pakistan's global standing while fending off mounting domestic and diaspora opposition. For now, the military's control remains unshaken — but so does the resistance.
News18
02-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Kerala to Kunar: CNN-News18 Exposes ISIS-K Recruitment Trail Targeting Dalit Youth
CNN-News18 exclusive investigation uncovers a chilling jihadi network operating out of Kerala, silently recruiting vulnerable Indian youth—particularly Dalit minors—into the deadly ranks of ISIS-Khorasan (ISKP) in Afghanistan. Top intelligence sources reveal how radicalisation begins in Gulf-funded institutions like Peace International School and is followed by indoctrination in covert safehouses run by banned outfits like PFI and are smuggled via Kochi and Trivandrum airports using forged documents, often travelling through Dubai, Istanbul, Sri Lanka or Iran before reaching ISKP strongholds in Nangarhar and Kunar expert Maj Gen (R) Rajan Kochar and activist Rahul Easwar weigh in on this dangerous development. Why are Indian youth being targeted? Who is funding this pipeline of terror? Don't miss this deep dive into one of India's most critical national security threats. News18 Mobile App -
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Baloch Liberation Army takes responsibility for attacks on Pakistani military
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has asserted responsibility for various attacks directed at Pakistani military forces in Hoshab and Kolwah regions. The group claims that these operations incorporated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and confrontations, reportedly resulting in the deaths of five Pakistani army members. In another incident, the BLA announced the capture and later execution of an alleged Military Intelligence (MI) agent named Khizir. They stated that Khizir was apprehended in Zehri, Khuzdar, and executed following a trial conducted by the "Baloch National Court," after allegedly confessing to his intelligence-gathering activities in various districts during his interrogation. Additionally, another "pro-independence" Baloch insurgent group, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), has taken credit for two distinct attacks. The first involved a hand grenade strike aimed at the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Khuzdar. The second incident took place near Habib Hotel in Wadh, where a truck carrying precious stones from Dalbandin to Karachi was attacked. The explosion affected the truck's engine and tires, but no casualties have been reported thus far. Previously, BLA fighters conducted five separate assaults on the Pakistani army in Zamuran and Panjgur, leading to the deaths of four Pakistani army personnel. During these operations, the army's surveillance equipment was disabled, while BLA fighter Riaz, also known as Aman, was reported killed, according to a statement from Jeeyand Baloch, the BLA spokesperson. Earlier, Allah Nazar Baloch, the head of the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), had accused the Pakistani military of fabricating and promoting the narrative regarding ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-F) to undermine nationalist movements by exploiting religious sentiments, as reported by The Balochistan Post (TBP). Nazar alleged that the ideological basis of ISIS-K is a constructed narrative orchestrated by Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's media wing. He stated that the intent is to sway public opinion against national liberation movements by wrongly labelling them as proxies for foreign entities, according to TBP.
The Wire
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
US Behaviour 'Boosts Pakistan's Global Image, Helps it Come in From the Cold': Nirupama Rao
New Delhi: India's former foreign secretary, Nirupama Rao, has said that America's recent behaviour will help 'boost Pakistan's global image and it helps Pakistan to come in from the cold.'Speaking in an interview with Karan Thapar for The Wire, she said this while referring to statements by General Michael Kurilla, the head of the US Army's Central Command, to the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee that Pakistan is 'a phenomenal partner in the counter-terrorism world'.She was also referring to General Kurilla's praise for Pakistan's Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir's role in handing over ISIS-Khorasan terrorists to America and the invitation the Field Marshal has received to attend the 250th US Army Day celebrations on Saturday .Rao, who has also served as India's ambassador to the US, said, 'Pakistan will cleverly leverage US appreciation to gain diplomatic advantage for itself'. Speaking on General Kurilla's claim that Pakistan is 'a phenomenal partner', Rao said this was a case of 'American amnesia on the whole role Pakistan has played when it comes to terror.'She added, 'That's an unfortunate reality United States has overlooked.'
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
US denies inviting Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir to 250th Army anniversary parade
The White House has firmly denied that any foreign military leaders, including Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir, were invited to the 250th anniversary celebrations of the US Armed Forces. "This is false. No foreign military leaders were invited," a White House official told South Asian media outlets, aiming to put an end to days of swirling speculation. The parade, set for June 14 in Washington, D.C., also coincides with former US President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. It will include tanks, musical performances, air shows, and a fireworks display, running from 11 AM to 6 PM and wrapping up with a night-time concert. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em São Paulo (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo Backlash in India over reports Before the denial, Indian political circles had reacted sharply to the rumours. Opposition figures saw the alleged invitation as a diplomatic snub to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. RAND Corporation's senior defence analyst Derek Grossman called it a 'diplomatic setback' for India. He posted on X: 'For India, the Trump admin's invitation to Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir is tantamount to inviting an avowed anti-India terrorist.' Live Events Munir, a controversial figure in Indian discourse, had previously described Kashmir as Pakistan's 'jugular vein' and invoked the two-nation theory, stating, "Our religions are different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different... We are two nations, we are not one nation." PTI plans protest in Washington Even before the White House statement, Pakistan's political opposition began mobilising in the US. The Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party's US chapter announced a protest in front of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C. The rally, supported by over a dozen diaspora groups, is being held against what they called 'undeclared martial law' in Pakistan. The protest also demands free and fair elections, reflecting anger towards Munir's role in domestic repression. Kurilla praises Pakistan as 'phenomenal partner' At a Congressional hearing, US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Michael Kurilla praised Pakistan's role in counterterrorism efforts. He stated: 'Through a phenomenal partnership with Pakistan, they have gone after ISIS-Khorasan, killing dozens of them. Through a relationship we have with them, providing intelligence, they have captured at least five ISIS-Khorasan high-value individuals.' Kurilla gave specific credit to Munir for the arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah alias Jafar, a suspect in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 American soldiers and over 160 civilians. Kurilla said, 'The first person Munir called was me and said, 'I've caught him, I'm willing to extradite him back to the US. Please tell the secretary of defence and the president.'' Balanced ties with both India and Pakistan Despite warm words for Islamabad, Kurilla made clear that the US values its relationship with India as well. "We need to have a relationship with Pakistan and with India. I do not believe it is a binary switch that we can't have one with Pakistan if we have a relationship with India. We should look at the merits of the relationship for the positives that it has," Kurilla told lawmakers. This remark reflects Washington's careful approach in South Asia, where tensions between India and Pakistan often challenge American diplomacy. Diplomatic signals and strategic optics Foreign policy expert Michael Kugelman weighed in on the speculation around Munir's travel plans. He suggested that if the Pakistani Army Chief does visit, it may involve meetings at CENTCOM. 'Much is unclear about Gen. Munir's reported upcoming trip to the US. But if he comes, a CENTCOM visit is a possibility. He and Gen Kurilla have met 3 times in less than 2 years. Kurilla praised him yesterday in Hill testimony. US-Pak officer-to-officer ties are generally strong,' said Kugelman. Sources claimed Munir was set to meet senior Pentagon and State Department officials during his trip. However, with the White House ruling out his attendance at the parade, the visit—if it happens—will now likely unfold in a lower profile format. Amid the furore, US officials also reiterated their strategic partnership with India. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau recently met with a visiting Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. According to Bruce, the two sides discussed counterterrorism cooperation and reaffirmed shared democratic values. While the storm over Munir's supposed invitation seems to have calmed, it has revealed the tightrope the United States continues to walk in balancing its vital security interests in a volatile region.
