Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir becomes central to U.S. policy shift

August 4, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan has strengthened its diplomatic ties with the United States under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, signaling a strategic shift in regional alignments, according to The Economist.

A private meeting between Field Marshal Munir and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House marked a turning point.

This was followed by Trump's announcement of a new trade agreement with Pakistan, accompanied by a 19% tariff, while imposing a 25% tariff on Indian exports and labeling India a "dead economy."

Close associates of President Trump have shown interest in investing in Pakistan’s cryptocurrency and mining sectors.

Washington is also considering the resumption of arms trade and counter-terrorism cooperation with Islamabad, including the supply of armored vehicles and night vision gear.

American officials are reviewing evidence provided by Pakistan regarding India’s alleged subversive activities, though skepticism remains, the article added.

The U.S. has also softened its stance on Pakistan’s ballistic missile program and resumed some aid initiatives.

Field Marshal Asim Munir has maintained a balanced relationship with China and Gulf nations while his popularity has surged since the recent conflict with India. Pakistan imported 80% of its arms from China, but U.S. engagement may alter this dynamic.

Domestically, the military’s influence continues to grow, with the current civilian government holding a two-thirds parliamentary majority, raising speculation about a possible shift in political power.

However, military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry dismissed talk of Munir becoming president as "nonsense."

Born to a religious family and educated in a madrasa, Munir is the first Pakistani army chief not trained in the U.S. or U.K., but is described as pragmatic and well-versed in Western affairs.

He reportedly opposes jihadist groups operating in Pakistan and is critical of those who exploit religion for personal gain.

He is also known for his risk appetite and admiration for Saudi Arabia’s modernization efforts, and has taken a firmer stance on India than his predecessors, resisting foreign pressure and responding militarily to Indian airstrikes.

Following the April 16 speech by the Field Marshal, just days before the Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, the military indicated that his statements reflected deeply held convictions shaped by rising Hindu nationalism in India.

While Pakistan denies involvement in the attack, the speech was described as a declaration of what Munir “is ready to die for.”

His leadership is compared by some to former military ruler Ayub Khan, Pakistan’s only other Field Marshal, article noted.

At age 57, Munir holds more power than any military chief since Pervez Musharraf, with no term limits or mandatory retirement age.

His working relationship with the current prime minister has further solidified his influence.

In military terms, Munir has earned U.S. praise for targeting Islamic State factions within Pakistan. Diplomatically, he has positioned Pakistan as a possible bridge in U.S. efforts to engage Iran.

While Pakistani officials assert that improved U.S. ties will not harm relations with China, Beijing may view the shift differently.

Despite ambitions to bring India to the negotiating table, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains unyielding, vowing retaliation for any attacks.

In response, Pakistan's military has warned it would strike deeper within India, stating bluntly, “We’ll start from the east... They also need to understand that they can be hit everywhere.”

Amid debt, insurgency, and global isolation, Pakistan’s geopolitical course now hinges heavily on the direction set by Field Marshal Asim Munir.

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