Has Trump Invited Pak Army Chief Munir For Army Day?

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir, has been invited to the United States to attend the US Army’s 250th anniversary celebrations on June 14 according to some media reports. 

General Munir, recently promoted to Field Marshal, carries a comprehensive agenda for discussions in Washington, NDTV said. A key objective for Pakistan is to seek U.S. security cooperation in countering Islamic State – Khorasan Province, a terror group active in Central and South Asia.

Furthermore, Pakistan aims to leverage the visit to encourage the United States to facilitate dialog with India. A primary concern is the resumption of the Indus Waters Treaty, the report said.

Munir’s visit, however, has ignited political controversy within Pakistan. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has announced plans for protests against him in Washington. PTI’s Secretary for Overseas Affairs, Sajjad Burki, called for a “massive protest” outside the Pakistani embassy on June 14, stating, “Let the White House know that any deal with this government is not acceptable to the people of Pakistan.”

General Munir’s visit is also expected to overlap with a separate tour by a senior Pakistani trade delegation to Washington, according to a report by Dawn.