Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and U.S. President Donald Trump held a two-hour-long meeting at the White House, the inside story of which has now emerged. President Trump hosted a luncheon in honor of Field Marshal Asim Munir, which he described as an honor for himself.
Donald Trump said that meeting him today was a matter of pride for him. He also thanked the Field Marshal for his role in preventing a war with India.
Following this closed-door luncheon, the U.S. President also revealed that trade negotiations with both Pakistan and India are ongoing. President Trump confirmed that the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel was also discussed during the meeting.
During his visit to the U.S., Field Marshal Asim Munir will also meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
It is also noteworthy that, for the first time in U.S. history, a sitting President has held an official meeting with the army chief of another country. President Donald Trump’s hosting of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the White House is a sign of this unprecedented development.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif described the meeting between Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the U.S. President as a historic milestone. In his statement, he said that the luncheon hosted by the U.S. President in honor of the Pakistani Army Chief is an extraordinary honor, indicating a positive shift in bilateral relations.
He further stated that Pakistan can play a constructive and effective role in the current Israel-Iran crisis. According to Khawaja Asif, this meeting had been scheduled even before the Field Marshal’s U.S. visit began.
Earlier, former Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, also called the meeting a positive step in Pakistan-U.S. relations. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Bilawal said that especially in light of the current President’s role in mediating the ceasefire, this is an important step.
Following Pakistan’s decisive victory in the recent five-day war, India has rejected U.S. diplomatic efforts for permanent peace. Pakistan neither desires war nor is it compelled to negotiate, but we recognize that peace is in the interest of both countries.
He further stated that our disputes have no military solution. India’s use of water as a weapon, oppression in Kashmir, and politicizing terrorism are unacceptable.
