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NDTV
5 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Lunch, Now A State Award: What's With The Growing Pakistan-US Lovefest?
In terms of sheer turnaround in established policy, it beats description. Recently, the Pakistani Foreign Minister was in Washington, shaking hands with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, even as American delegations arrived in strength in Pakistan after years of being ignored by previous American administrations. Even heavier for the Pakistanis was the bestowing of Pakistan's highest military honour on General 'Mike' Kurilla. It's enough to make one wonder what the Field Marshal is up to. Pakistan Brings Out the Champagne The Foreign Ministry is, of course, portraying the whole saga as a success of no mean order. At one level, that is entirely justified. The Biden administration never invited even the Prime Minister of Pakistan, let alone meet any of their officials. Now there is the highly unprecedented lunch of a sitting Army Chief with the US President and his cringeworthy batting for a Nobel Peace Prize for Trump. Despite the US then bombing a 'brotherly' Muslim country next door - Iran - the Pakistani administration continued to bend over backwards to thank Trump for his 'pro-active role' for peace in the region. And now comes the final, almost comical gesture: the award of the highest military honour for US CENTCOM commander General 'Mike' Kurilla. The sight of a US General representing the most powerful democracy in the world standing at attention in front of a powerless President Zardari is even more cringeworthy. As Kurilla well knows, it is Field Marshal Munir who is in charge, together with Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Chief Lt Gen Asim Malik as National Security Advisor. Earlier, Kurilla had praised Pakistan to the skies for its 'cooperation' in fighting terrorism - this after it handed over one lone terrorist allegedly responsible for a bombing of US troops as they left Afghanistan. This gesture apparently made up for the decades when it facilitated al Qaeda's top leadership on its territory and thereby was directly responsible for some 3,000 dead troops, over 20,000 wounded, not including 26 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) personnel. Now, Pakistan is a 'phenomenal partner'. It's enough to make one gag. Pakistan's Premature Ululations Now comes the bitter truth. The read-out of the meeting between Dar and Rubio is terse and to the point, and sheds light on that mysterious lunch. It expresses 'appreciation' for Pakistan's 'constructive role in mediating conversations with Iran'. That's interesting. As of last week, Pakistan-based Jaish ul Adl had claimed an attack across the border on a packed courthouse. Again, on July 28, Pakistan suspended road travel between the two countries. But here's something to note: not too long ago, Iran's General Mohsen Rezae had claimed that Pakistan had said that if Israel launched nuclear weapons at Iran, Islamabad would nuke Israel. In short, this is Pakistan at its usual game, playing all sides, one against the other. The US read-out also mentions counterterrorism operations against Islamic State-Khorasan; that means there's a US hand in Afghanistan, which has been resisting Pakistani pressures for quite a while. So, here, too, Pakistan gets its pound of flesh, not to mention possible funds for all of this, at the upcoming US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in August. If the US doesn't get this, it needs to look up its files. The Minerals Hook There's another 'hook' to reel in the US. Rubio mentions "exploring prospects for enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals and mining sectors". Earlier, a senior State Department official had travelled to Pakistan - again, in April - to "advance U.S. interests in the critical minerals sector at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum". Naturally, he met with the Army chief, as did a US Congressional delegation, which included the co-chairs of the Pakistan Caucus, Congressmen Jack Bergman and Tom Suozzi. The irony inherent in this was the Pakistani interior minister's statement that his country "stood as a wall between terrorism and the rest of the world". Meanwhile, it seems that Balochistan has the largest copper and gold resources in the world, according to the CEO of America's Barrick Mining Corporation, which is exploiting the Reko Diq mines. Balochistan reportedly has $6 to $8 trillion worth of untapped mineral wealth, including vital rare earth elements like dysprosium, terbium, and yttrium. The fact that the Baloch are being harried and killed by the hundreds doesn't seem to bother Washington at all. The problem? China is also heavily invested in the same region of Chagai with not just its Saindak mine, but also a host of power projects, not to mention the Gwadar port. Beijing is not going to take such an ingress lightly, especially since its workers continue to be attacked in the province. Recently, the newly minted Field Marshal Munir was summoned to Beijing, where the declaration of 'iron brothers', etc, aside, it was rumoured that China was deeply unhappy with Rawalpindi's inability to protect its citizens. Crypto Capital There's more. Just after Operation Sindoor ended, a newly appointed Pakistani head for Crypto and Blockchain, Bilal Saqib, was touring the US, where he addressed an elite audience that included the Vice President JD Vance and Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr, at the Bitcoin Vegas 2025 in Las Vegas. There, Saqib sold Pakistan as one of the largest freelance markets with 40 million cryptowallets. With a Minister of State rank and an Order of the British Empire under his belt, Saqib is 'sellable' abroad, especially as he also thanked Trump for his 'peacemaking' skills. None of this crypto talk, however, was backed by Pakistani law, as the State Bank of Pakistan pointed out. It was not until July that an ordinance was promulgated by the President to establish a regulatory authority for the purpose. But Pakistan's regulations are a mess, and the need to push through an ordinance rather than a Parliament-based legislation is being questioned by critics and likened to the Army-controlled Strategic Facilitation Council (SFC), which is completely opaque in its dealings. Pakistan already had a crypto holding of about $10 billion, even before it was legalised, and ranked third in the Global Crypto Adoption Index in 2020-2021. Consider that all this activity actually began in April, when the Texas-based logistics firm Fr8Technologies offered to help Pakistan in setting up blockchain products and crypto advice. The firm is linked to World Liberty Financial (WLC), which is owned by members of Trump's family. Since then, given the clear US interest in using Pakistan as a base for its crypto ambitions, other massive names like Binance have weighed in. Irony is that, knowing cryptocurrencies are much in use by terrorists and the criminal underground - as the Financial Action Task Force points out - the US deliberately chose a country that has loose financial oversight (at best) and is entirely army-controlled, to push in billions in potential investment. Nice. Pakistan Has Overestimated Itself - Again In sum, what is notable is that America's 'interests' in Pakistan - none of which may have anything to do with India - have preceded the Pahalgam attack. Even so, amid the choppy regional dynamics, there is one constant: Pakistan, as always, seems to have bitten off more than it can chew. To keep Iran, the US and China all happy at once - even as its debts to Beijing in just the power sector touch PKR 423 billion - may be too much even for its inventive powers. Something has to give. Delhi's reason for worry is that the new Cold War has almost arrived in the West, even as it creates strong uncertainties towards the East. But every change has opportunities.
News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
Pakistan Shows Loyalty To US Amid FATF Concerns, Bestows Highest State Honour On CENTCOM Chief
Last Updated: Pakistan has awarded US Central Command chief General Michael Kurilla with Nishan-e-Imtiaz, in an attempt to show loyalty to the United States amid FATF grey listing concerns. In a move showing its loyalty towards the United States amid brewing FATF concerns, Pakistan awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), one of the country's highest state honours, to US Central Command (USCENTCOM) chief General Michael Kurilla. In a high-profile ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the award on Kurilla for his role in promoting regional peace and enhancing US-Pakistan military ties, a symbolic and strategic signal to Washington. General Kurilla held extended meetings with Pakistan's top civil and military brass, including President Zardari and COAS Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir, discussing regional peace, defence cooperation, and counterterrorism strategies. According to diplomatic sources, by conferring the highest military honour, Pakistan is showing loyalty and alignment with the US defence establishment. Pakistan's gesture comes in the ongoing IMF dependency and FATF legacy concerns, where it was placed in the grey list in June 2018 and removed in October 2022. The US is one of the original founding members of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), established in 1989. America plays a significant role in shaping FATF's policies, standards, and country reviews, especially on matters of terror financing and proliferation. India has intensified its diplomatic efforts to pressure FATF to reverse Pakistan's exit from the grey list, citing the neighbour's ongoing failures in curbing terror financing after the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan's gesture of awarding the USCENTCOM helps rebuild its image with Washington and will help financial goodwill via back channels, sources said. 'Pakistan is playing a double side as on one side they are dependent on China, Islamabad is sending subtle signals that it's not entirely dependent on China now," they added. CENTCOM remains crucial for post-Afghan regional military strategy for the US after its exit from the country in 2021. Pakistan is reasserting its role as a logistics and intelligence partner for the US in the AfPak–West Asia corridor – which refers to a set of proposed and evolving transport and trade corridors connecting Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the broader West Asia region. 'Pakistan's military views CENTCOM ties as a key source of legitimacy, training, arms, and prestige and awarding Kurilla helps its purpose," sources said. view comments First Published: July 27, 2025, 08:20 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
USCENTCOM chief honoured
President Asif Ali Zardari has conferred the prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) award on General Michael E Kurilla, Commander of the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), in recognition of his contributions to regional security and the strengthening of bilateral military ties, the military's media wing said on Saturday. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), President Zardari presented the honour during a formal investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr. General Kurilla was recognised for his "exemplary service and pivotal role in advancing enduring military cooperation" between Pakistan and the United States. "General Kurilla's visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing defence collaboration, and deepening counterterrorism cooperation between the Pakistan Armed Forces and USCENTCOM," the statement read. The award reflects Pakistan's appreciation of General Kurilla's "unwavering support" and highlights the growing depth of the military partnership between the two nations. During his visit, General Kurilla met with senior Pakistani leadership, including President Zardari and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Discussions focused on regional security, military-to-military engagement, and joint counterterrorism efforts, the statement added. Upon arrival at the Presidency, General Kurilla was presented with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Nishan-e-Imtiaz awarded to USCENTCOM Commander
ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has awarded the prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) to General Michael E Kurilla, Commander of the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), in recognition of his outstanding contributions to strengthening Pakistan-US defence cooperation and regional security. The honour was formally conferred by President Asif Ali Zardari during an investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The award acknowledges General Kurilla's pivotal role in advancing enduring military collaboration, enhancing counterterrorism efforts, and promoting strategic dialogue between the armed forces of the two countries. General Kurilla's leadership has been instrumental in deepening mutual trust and fostering strong defence relations between Pakistan and USCENTCOM. His consistent engagement underscores the United States' recognition of Pakistan's critical role in ensuring peace and stability across the region. 'This honour reflects Pakistan's deep appreciation for General Kurilla's unwavering support and his commitment to building a robust security partnership,' said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). During his visit, General Kurilla held detailed discussions with senior Pakistani civil and military leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI(M). Talks focused on regional security dynamics, military-to-military cooperation, and joint responses to evolving transnational threats. On his arrival at the Presidency, General Kurilla was presented with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour, marking the high regard with which Pakistan views his contributions. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
President Zardari confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz on USCENTCOM chief Gen Kurilla
President Asif Zardari confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz on US USCENTCOM Commander General Michael E Kurilla in Islamabad on July 26, 2025. Photo: ISPR Listen to article President Asif Ali Zardari has conferred the prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) award on General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), in recognition of his contributions to regional security and the strengthening of bilateral military ties, the military's media wing said. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), President Zardari presented the honour during a formal investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday. General Kurilla was recognised for his 'exemplary service and pivotal role in advancing enduring military cooperation' between Pakistan and the United States. 'General Kurilla's visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing defence collaboration, and deepening counterterrorism cooperation between the Pakistan Armed Forces and USCENTCOM,' the statement read. The Government of Pakistan has conferred the prestigious award of Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) upon General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), in recognition of his exemplary service and pivotal role in advancing enduring military… — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 26, 2025 The award reflects Pakistan's appreciation of General Kurilla's 'unwavering support' and highlights the growing depth of the military partnership between the two nations. During his visit, General Kurilla met with senior Pakistani leadership, including President Zardari and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Discussions focused on regional security, military-to-military engagement, and joint counterterrorism efforts, the statement added. Upon arrival at the Presidency, General Kurilla was presented with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour. The visit and high-level recognition underscore the strategic nature of Pakistan-US defence relations and reaffirm both countries' commitment to regional stability. Pakistan also hosted the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference, bringing together senior military leaders from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in what is being hailed as a significant step toward strengthening regional security cooperation and military diplomacy. Read More: President Zardari honors Chinese General Li Qiaoming Organised under the theme 'Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace,' the high-profile gathering aimed at reinforcing security collaboration, enhancing joint training initiatives, and sharing best practices in counterterrorism and other defence-related areas, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, formally welcomed the delegations and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to regional stability.
