ISLAMABAD; Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, is set to travel to the United States this week, marking his second visit in less than two months, according to foreign media reports.
The trip underscores the continued strategic and military engagement between Islamabad and Washington amid growing regional complexities.
During the upcoming visit, Field Marshal Asim Munir will attend the retirement ceremony of US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Michael Kurilla — a high-profile figure who has previously spoken positively about Pakistan’s military role in the region.
General Kurilla’s tenure was notable for enhancing cooperation with Pakistani military leadership and advocating close operational ties in the context of regional counterterrorism efforts.
While no formal details have yet been released about any scheduled bilateral meetings, defence or diplomatic talks, speculation remains high, especially given the army chief’s last trip to the US in June, which included a luncheon at the White House — a rare gesture for a foreign military leader.
Adding further weight to the visit, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is already present in the United States on an official trip, where he is expected to hold discussions with US officials related to counterterrorism cooperation, internal security, and organized crime.
The timing of both visits has raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles, with observers suggesting a broader strategic agenda may be unfolding behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, Indian media and officials have reacted with visible concern over the army chief’s forthcoming visit, especially in light of the recent strain in Pakistan-India relations and heightened regional tensions following clashes in Kashmir and continuing border skirmishes.
Analysts in New Delhi see the strengthening of US-Pakistan military ties as a development worth monitoring, particularly at a time when Washington is recalibrating its South Asia policy post-Afghanistan.
The convergence of top Pakistani civil and military officials in Washington signals renewed efforts by Islamabad to reset ties with the Biden administration and to seek enhanced cooperation on security, regional stability, and possibly economic matters, as Pakistan continues to navigate a fragile domestic political and economic landscape.
