Islamabad —June 15,2025: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir is reportedly in the United States, in a visit widely seen through the lens of military diplomacy. While the US has not confirmed a formal invitation, Pakistani defense sources suggest a series of strategic-level engagements are underway. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and Ministry of Defence (MoD) have not denied the reports.
Sources say a key meeting could take place between General Munir and US CENTCOM Commander General Michael Kurilla. The two generals have already met three times in less than two years. Their repeated interactions highlight the strength of officer-level ties between the two militaries.
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Indian Narrative vs Expert Insight
Indian media outlets have launched a campaign claiming that General Munir received no official invitation. However, US-based experts disagree with this framing. Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center said the focus should remain on the substance of military engagement—not optics. He noted that such visits often reflect continuity in defense coordination, not necessarily political signaling.
This week, General Kurilla also praised General Munir during a hearing on Capitol Hill. He highlighted the value of Pakistan’s military leadership in ongoing regional security efforts. Observers believe these remarks serve as a quiet endorsement of Pakistan’s strategic relevance.
What’s at Stake
General Munir’s visit comes at a time of renewed concerns over regional instability. Border tensions, Afghanistan’s security vacuum, and counterterrorism operations remain high on both sides’ agendas. A possible CENTCOM meeting may focus on intelligence-sharing, joint defense initiatives, and tactical cooperation.
Sources close to MoD suggest that discussions could also cover Pakistan’s military modernization plans and its evolving peacekeeping role. Although no official press note has been released, the visit reflects Pakistan’s intent to keep lines of communication open with US defense leadership.
General Munir’s presence signals a continued effort to strengthen military diplomacy—a channel that remains active even when broader bilateral ties face strain.
