Trump-Munir Meeting a Milestone in Civil-Military Diplomacy, Says Khawaja Asif
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has hailed the recent meeting between Field Marshal Asim Munir and former U.S. President Donald Trump as a “historic breakthrough,” calling it the most significant turning point in the 78-year history of Pakistan-U.S. relations. Framing the visit as a diplomatic success, Asif credited the civil-military coordination behind the engagement, referring to it as a triumph of Pakistan’s “hybrid model of governance.”
فیلڈ مارشل عاصم منیر اور صدر ٹرمپ کی ملاقات پاک امریکہ تعلقات میں ایک سنگ میل ھے۔ اس سے پہلے امریکہ صدر کی پاکستانی آرمی چیف کی دعوت اور ملاقات کی مثال نہیں یہ تعلقات کی 78سال کی تاریخ سب سے اھم موڑ ھے۔ اس ملاقات میں جسطرح بین الاقوامی اور خطہ کے معاملات زیر بحث آۓ اس سے وطنُ…
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) June 19, 2025
“This visit reflects the strength of our national unity,” Asif said in a statement on X and during a media briefing. “The coordination between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir has laid the foundation for improved diplomacy, economic progress, and strategic security. It’s a testament to a stable civil-military partnership.”
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The meeting, held at the White House’s Cabinet Room and followed by a luncheon in Munir’s honour, was the first time a Pakistani army chief has been hosted by a sitting U.S. president. The high-profile engagement also sparked renewed international focus on the region, with particular attention on Pakistan’s role in easing Indo-Pak tensions.
President Trump, speaking to reporters following the talks, acknowledged Munir’s efforts in defusing recent hostilities between Pakistan and India. “It’s an honour to meet Field Marshal Asim Munir. I thanked him for not letting things spiral into war,” Trump said, while also confirming discussions on regional security, including the Iran-Israel standoff.
“Pakistan understands Iran better than we do — they’re a key player in regional peace,” Trump noted, further highlighting the strategic weight Islamabad carries in Middle Eastern affairs.
Trump also revealed that early-stage negotiations were underway for a potential trilateral trade arrangement involving the U.S., Pakistan, and India. “We’re in early talks on trade — Pakistan’s concerns are being heard,” he added.
Khawaja Asif stressed that the visit has enhanced Pakistan’s credibility on the international stage. “We are now advancing on diplomatic, military, and economic fronts simultaneously,” he remarked. He noted that statements from U.S. officials after the visit indicate renewed trust and a willingness to reengage with Pakistan on strategic issues.
Diplomatic sources confirmed that Field Marshal Munir is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pat Hegseth in the coming days. These meetings are expected to further solidify the revival of U.S.-Pakistan strategic dialogue, which had seen a period of dormancy in recent years.
Concluding his remarks, Asif called for national resolve. “May Allah grant us the strength to continue serving Pakistan above all personal and political interests. Our recent gains must be the foundation for a stronger future,” he said.
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