ISLAMABAD, Aug 8 (The Border Line)
Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, is set for his second U.S. visit in just two months. This comes after his first trip in June, and now another is scheduled for August 2025. The military chief’s regular presence in Washington signals a remarkable surge in direct defense engagement. [Source: Times of India]
The official purpose is to participate in a farewell ceremony for U.S. Central Command’s (CENTCOM) outgoing Commander, General Michael Kurilla, at CENTCOM’s headquarters in Tampa, Florida. [Source: FirstPost]
General Kurilla has in past U.S. congressional testimony described Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in America’s counter-terrorism operations. This strong endorsement reflects the durability of security cooperation.
In his June visit, Munir reportedly attended a private luncheon at the White House with President Donald Trump. This signaled increasingly close military and strategic ties between the two countries.
This flurry of military diplomacy unfolds just as U.S.–India tensions spike over Trump’s imposition of severe tariffs on Indian exports. Some analysts believe the White House may be leveraging closer ties with Pakistan to bolster its own regional options.
Munir’s high-level U.S. outreach appears to bypass Pakistan’s civilian leadership, drawing scrutiny at home and abroad. Critics argue that such moves undermine democratic oversight and risk entrenching military primacy in foreign policy.
For Islamabad, the trip clearly aims to position Pakistan as a pivotal player in U.S. counterterrorism strategy, even as it juggles complex ties with China, Iran, and other neighbors. Within established international law, attending official ceremonies and pursuing bilateral military cooperation is both legal and common diplomatic practice.