Overview

• Asim Munir received a rare promotion to Field Marshal in May, solidifying his position as Pakistan’s most powerful leader over civilian authorities.
• His private luncheon with President Trump extended beyond two hours, marking the first such engagement for a serving Pakistan army chief.
• Their talks in Washington covered counterterrorism cooperation, guarded exchanges on the Israel-Iran conflict and US interest in Balochistan’s mineral concessions.
• The US signaled tacit approval for Pakistan’s military operations in western provinces by overlooking human rights concerns, prompting fears of unchecked army influence.
• Observers say Munir’s Washington visit bypassed civilian oversight and may have involved facilitating US strikes on Iran, raising tensions with Tehran and China.