Pakistan’s chief of army staff General Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah is scheduled to visit Washington DC, for the US Army Day celebrations on June 14, top intelligence sources have told CNN-News18. He will join other military leaders to commemorate the US Army’s 250th anniversary. According to sources at the Pakistani Embassy in Washington DC, Munir is expected to arrive on June 12.
During this visit, the US is likely to urge Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups targeting Afghanistan and India. The invitation appears to be linked more to the ongoing US-China rivalry and Pakistan’s strategic importance than any stance against India. Due to Pakistan’s close ties with China through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the US harbours concerns about Pakistan’s neutrality.
Given the current geopolitical climate, the US is unlikely to view Pakistan as a credible or neutral mediator, said sources. This visit has also provoked political reactions within Pakistan, with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) planning protests against Munir’s visit and labelling him a criminal.
Pakistan is expected to seek assurances from the US regarding the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghanistan. Historically, Pakistan has sought US mediation on various issues, while India firmly rejects third-party involvement. The US prefers bilateral dialogue and is unlikely to alter its stance in favour of mediation, sources said.
Pakistan recognises the potential debt trap associated with China and is eager to attract investment from other global powers. The country possesses valuable resources such as lithium, copper, gold, and rare earth minerals, for which it urgently requires investment. However, Pakistan is wary of potential colonisation similar to China’s approach.
The visit aims to manage the strained security relationship between the US and Pakistan. Pakistan will likely pursue its agenda on mediation in Kashmir and seek investments in its mineral resources. However, tangible outcomes may be limited, as India is unlikely to accede to any external demands regarding Kashmir.
