Latest news with #PakistanArmedForces
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
5 days ago
- Business
- First Post
An uncertain Pakistan: Munir's panic run to US and China shows his anxiety
Pakistan is making desperate efforts to keep China and the US in good humour and on the right side by a delicate balancing act; however, only time will reveal the true outcomes read more Very recently, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir was on an official visit to China. During his stay in Beijing, he held meetings with senior Chinese political and military leadership. A military statement emanating from Pakistan claimed that the Chinese military leadership reiterated full confidence in the strength of the bilateral defence partnership, acknowledging Pakistan's pivotal role in promoting 'regional peace'. General Munir called on Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Their discussions focused on the evolving regional and global political canvas, connectivity initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the need for coordinated responses to address shared geopolitical challenges. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Significantly, both sides expressed satisfaction over the depth of bilateral engagement and avowed their shared commitment to sovereign equality, multilateral cooperation, and long-term regional stability. The Pakistan Army statement further claimed that the Chinese leadership lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces as a cornerstone of resilience and a vital contributor to peace in South Asia. This seems far-fetched and looks only like a ceremonial or ritualistic expression. The military engagement between both sides included comprehensive exchanges on defence and security cooperation, including counter-terrorism collaboration, joint training, defence modernisation, and enhanced institutional linkages. It also claimed that emphasis was placed on improving operational interoperability and strategic coordination to confront hybrid and transnational threats. On his part, the COAS appreciated China's 'consistent support' and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further expanding military-to-military cooperation across all domains. Munir at Beijing reaffirmed Islamabad's deep appreciation for Beijing's consistent support toward its socio-economic development and emphasised the Pakistani military's resolve to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation with China as part of their shared vision for regional peace and prosperity. However, reliable sources indicate that the Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir was under severe pressure when China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi raised the issue rather prominently of the safety and security of the Chinese 'personnel, projects, and institutions' in Pakistan. Over the years, several Chinese nationals have been killed in a string of terror attacks in Pakistan. While Munir stressed and claimed that 'brotherhood' between Beijing and Islamabad was time-tested and was 'solid as a rock', he, in the same vein, assured Yi that the Pakistani military would take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals. It may be recalled that in October 2024, a suicide car bombing outside Karachi airport had killed two Chinese engineers, and earlier, in the same year in March, a suicide bombing in northern Pakistan had killed five Chinese workers, which had angered the Chinese leadership, who had expressed serious concern over the killings of the Chinese. This had also put at risk the bilateral ties between the two countries, albeit for some time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Importantly, this was Munir's first visit to China after the hostilities with India in May this year. Islamabad is actively pursuing its military diplomacy to bolster strategic regional partnerships and defence alliances to reposition its defence standing. This was further demonstrated by Munir's visit to the US, as well as his one-on-one lunch with President Donald Trump. In a separate development related to China, the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with the Chinese Foreign Minister, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting regional peace, stability, and development. This shows that Pakistan continues to warm up to China at regular intervals. Further, in a Pakistan military-related development, Munir on July 26 reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering resolve to foster a secure, peaceful, and prosperous regional environment through strategic cooperation and defence diplomacy. As a host, he was addressing the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference in Islamabad, bringing together senior military leaders from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The conference seems to represent a major step in strengthening regional security collaboration, strategic dialogue, and military partnerships. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Organised under the theme 'Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace', the summit aimed to deepen multilateral cooperation in defence, particularly in counter-terrorism, joint training, and knowledge sharing. Participants were engaged in wide-ranging discussions on regional security trends, the changing geopolitical landscape in Central and South Asia, and the urgent need for coordinated responses to transnational threats. Welcoming the defence delegations, Munir reiterated Pakistan's firm 'commitment' to peace and regional stability. He underscored the importance of enhanced military-to-military cooperation, mutual trust, and continued strategic dialogue to address emerging hybrid 'threats' and ensure collective security. Analysing the conference, it could be safely interpreted that Munir, with his political and military ambitions, possibly wants to forge an alliance with the Islamic countries' military leadership in the name of regional peace. He could also be meaning to signal India, his sworn adversary, about his 'deepening military cooperation' with the CIS countries. Munir should know that India already enjoys an excellent relationship with these countries that have participated in the conference, and no amount of signalling is likely to work towards his military designs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Having stepped up its diplomatic outreach, especially post Operation Sindoor, the Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on July 25. Earlier, the Deputy Prime Minister arrived in Washington, DC, on July 24 on the second leg of his eight-day visit to the US. He had arrived in New York on July 21 to attend 'high-level signature events' of Pakistan's United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Presidency, including a conference on Palestine. Discussions were also held on promoting bilateral trade and economic relations and cooperation in important sectors, including investment, agriculture, technology [and] minerals. Counter-terrorism and regional peace were also discussed. Foreign Minister Dar acknowledged the efforts of President Donald Trump and the US leadership in promoting global peace, adding that their role and efforts regarding the recent Pakistan-India tension were 'commendable'. Meanwhile, at the US State Department, Marco Rubio expressed appreciation for Pakistan's continued willingness to play a constructive role in mediating conversations with Iran and its commitment to preserving regional stability. The two also discussed prospects for deepening bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, including countering Islamic State—Khorasan (Isis—K), and the upcoming US-Pakistan Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Islamabad scheduled in August this year. Rubio underscored the importance of expanding mutually beneficial bilateral trade and exploring prospects for enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals and mining sectors. Dar was also scheduled to speak at the US think tank, the Atlantic Council, sharing Pakistan's perspective on regional and global issues as well as the future of Pakistan-US relations. Dar's visit comes ahead of Pakistan holding the presidency of the UN Security Council this month. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Judging by the Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister's US trip and earlier Munir's recent China visit, both much hyped, it is clear that Pakistan is making desperate efforts to keep China and the US in good humour and on the right side by a delicate balancing act, as both the US and China are at loggerheads, but the US needs Pakistan as a strategic ally. [It may be recapitulated that Munir was in the US, including a meeting with Trump, just ahead of the US military strikes at the Iran nuclear sites using the Pakistani skies.] Such US overtures to Pakistan could possibly be cosmetic, more tactical, and not really substantial or meaningful. Only time will tell about their 'relationship' and its tenacity. The writer is a retired IPS officer, adviser NatStrat, Bangladesh watcher and a security analyst. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Express Tribune
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan committed to eradicating terrorism: PM Shehbaz
PM Shehbaz chairing review meeting of the counterterrorism steering committee in Islamabad on July 31. Photo: Radio Pakistan Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to eradicating terrorism, saying the country has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to eliminate the threat from its roots. Chairing a review meeting of the counterterrorism steering committee in Islamabad on Thursday, Sharif said, 'The State of Pakistan is committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism at its roots, and the world acknowledges Pakistan's successful operations against terrorists.' He highlighted that Pakistan's anti-terrorism strategy includes ground operations, legal reforms, public engagement, and countering extremist ideologies. He directed the committee to ensure strong coordination between federal and provincial authorities and strict implementation of recommendations. The prime minister also praised the Pakistan Armed Forces for their role in major operations such as Zarb-e-Azb, Radd-ul-Fasaad, and the recently concluded Marka-e-Haq, which he described as a "historic battle" recognised globally as a major success. 'The entire nation, including the families of officers and personnel who sacrificed their lives for the motherland, takes pride in their bravery and selflessness,' he said. Sharif acknowledged the contributions of provincial governments, the Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Interior, and Counter-Terrorism Departments—particularly Punjab's CTD—in the fight against terrorism. He said Pakistan is implementing a comprehensive strategy to dismantle anti-social elements including 'Fitna al-Hindustan' and 'Khawarij.' وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت انسداد دہشت گردی و ریاستی رٹ کے قیام (Harden the State) کے حوالے سے قائم اسٹیرنگ کمیٹی کا جائزہ اجلاس ریاست پاکستان، دہشت گردی کے ناسور کو جڑ سے ختم کرنے کے لیے پرعزم ہے اور دنیا دہشت گردوں کے خلاف ہماری کامیاب کاروائیوں کی معترف ہے۔… — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 31, 2025 Addressing economic security, the prime minister said coordinated efforts by relevant institutions had significantly curbed smuggling, which has positively impacted the national economy. He stressed the importance of peace and security for restoring investor confidence, citing digitisation reforms, improvements in the tax system, and a surge in the Pakistan Stock Exchange as signs of growing economic stability. Sharif also said that the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan was being carried out effectively and in line with international laws. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, National Security Advisor Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik, ministers, provincial chief secretaries, inspectors general of police, and other officials.
Business Recorder
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
President, PM pay tributes to Capt Sarwar Shaheed
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday paid rich tribute to Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider), on his 77th martyrdom anniversary. The president said that seventy-seven years ago on this day, during the first Kashmir war, Capt. Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed laid down his life for the motherland. 'The nation is proud of Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed's courage, perseverance, and supreme sacrifice' President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying. The president further said that today's safe and secure Pakistan was the result of the great sacrifices rendered by their heroes, adding the entire nation saluted the bravery and sacrifice of Capt. Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed. He said Shaheed Sarwar Shaheed wrote an unforgettable chapter in the nation's defence by sacrificing his life. The president said the sacrifices of the martyrs were the foundation of national defense and stability. The nation would always remember the sacrifice of Capt. Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed. The prime minister, in his message, said that along with the entire nation, he paid heartfelt tribute to Capt. Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, the first recipient of Nishan-e-Haider, on his martyrdom anniversary for his courage and bravery. 'The brave son of the nation embraced shahadat while thwarting the enemy's evil designs of an aggressive occupation of Jammu and Kashmir,' PM Office Media Wing, in a press release, quoted the prime minister as saying. Capt Sarwar's valour set a precedent emulated by the soldiers of Pakistan Armed Forces who always preferred defense of the motherland than their own lives, he said, adding the proud nation of Pakistan could never forget the sacrifices of their martyrs.
Business Recorder
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Army chief secures renewed commitments from China
ISLAMABAD/BEIJING: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, chief of army staff (COAS) of Pakistan, has successfully concluded a pivotal official visit to China, where he secured renewed commitments to deepen defence cooperation and strategic collaboration between the two nations. The visit saw high-level engagements focused on enhancing joint military training, defence modernisation, counterterrorism collaboration, and coordinated responses to emerging regional security challenges, underscoring the growing importance of the Pakistan-China partnership in maintaining peace and stability in South Asia. During the visit, Field Marshal Munir held a series of key meetings with senior Chinese political and military leaders in Beijing, reaffirming the ironclad strategic alliance that has long defined bilateral relations. He called on Han Zheng, Vice President of China, and Wang Yi, Foreign Minister, where discussions centred on the evolving geopolitical landscape, the progress of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, and the necessity of multilateral cooperation to tackle shared challenges. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the depth and breadth of their engagement, reiterating their mutual commitment to sovereign equality, regional stability, and multilateral diplomacy. Chinese leaders lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces as a cornerstone of resilience and a critical force for peace in South Asia. On the military front, the COAS met with General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC); General Chen Hui, Political Commissar of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army; and Lieutenant General Cai Zhai Jun, Chief of Staff of the PLA Army. Upon arrival at PLA Army Headquarters, Field Marshal Munir was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour, symbolising the deep camaraderie between the two forces. The detailed discussions emphasised enhancing defence and security cooperation, including counterterrorism efforts, joint training exercises, defence modernisation, and stronger institutional linkages. Both sides placed special focus on improving operational interoperability and strategic coordination to effectively address hybrid and transnational threats. The Chinese military leadership expressed full confidence in the strength of the bilateral defence partnership and recognised Pakistan's pivotal role in promoting regional peace and security. Field Marshal Munir expressed his appreciation for China's steadfast support and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further expand military-to-military cooperation across all domains. This visit comes at a crucial juncture as Pakistan pursues a balanced foreign policy, concurrently engaging with other global powers such as the United States to secure economic and security interests. By strengthening ties with China while maintaining dialogue with Washington, Pakistan is demonstrating its pragmatic approach to diplomacy aimed at ensuring national growth, regional stability, and long-term peace. Reuters adds: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Pakistan to protect the safety of Chinese nationals and projects, as he met with army chief General Asim Munir who was on his first visit to Beijing since his country's recent clashes with India. Over the years China has poured billions of dollars into infrastructure projects in Pakistan under the Belt and Road Initiative. But security concerns have mounted, with Chinese workers repeatedly targeted in what Beijing has called 'terrorist attacks' in the South Asian nation. 'China supports Pakistan in resolutely combating all forms of terrorism and hopes that the Pakistani military will continue to make every effort to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions,' Wang said during the meeting on Thursday with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir, according to a readout from the Chinese foreign ministry. He reaffirmed China's 'ironclad' friendship with Pakistan, saying that Beijing would continue to prioritise the country in its neighbourhood diplomacy. Munir also met with China's Central Military Commission vice chairman Zhang Youxia on Friday, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported. Beijing has pushed Pakistan to allow its own security staff to provide protection to Chinese citizens on the ground, after a car bombing in the southern port city of Karachi that killed two Chinese engineers in October last year, Reuters reported. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
President confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) upon Chief of Royal Saudi Naval Forces
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the award of Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) upon Vice Admiral Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Ghoraibi, Chief of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The president presented the award during a special investiture ceremony held in Islamabad at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, senior officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces and Saudi Arabia were also present in the ceremony. The ceremony was also attended by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nawaf Saeed Al-Malkiy. The award was presented in recognition of Vice Admiral Al Ghoraibi's professional achievements and his role in strengthening the friendship between the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the Pakistan Navy. Following the ceremony, the Chief of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces called on the president. The president congratulated Vice Admiral Al Ghoraibi on receiving the award and acknowledged his efforts in promoting cooperation between the navies of the two brotherly nations. The president highlighted that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Saudi Arabia, adding that the people and government of Pakistan deeply appreciate the Kingdom's support during challenging times. Expressing satisfaction over the ongoing engagements between the Pakistan Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, the president called for further enhancement of navy-to-navy collaboration. He appreciated the participation of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in Exercise AMAN-25 and AMAN Dialogue-25, held in February 2025, noting that such joint activities contribute to promoting maritime cooperation and mutual understanding. The president also praised the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, which he said is steering the Kingdom towards transformation, progress, and long-term prosperity. He expressed appreciation for the trust placed by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in the Pakistan Navy's training system and emphasized the importance of expanding training cooperation between the two navies. The president asked the Vice Admiral Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Ghoraibi to convey his warm greetings and best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, reaffirming Pakistan's strong bond with Saudi Arabia. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
