Kolkata: The chief of army staff of Pakistan, General Asim Munir will reportedly visit Washington DC for the celebrations of the US Army Day on June 14, according to a report by CNN-News18 citing top intelligence sources. He will take part in the celebrations along with other military leaders as the day will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Army.
According to reports, Munir is expected to arrive in the US on June 12. During Munir’s visit, the US is likely to urge Pakistan to act against terrorist groups targeting India and Afghanistan. The invitation is reportedly more linked to the ongoing rivalry between the US and China, along with the strategic importance of Pakistan. Since Pakistan is closely related to China through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the US has concerns about the former’s neutrality.
Will the US trust Pakistan?
Amid such geopolitical tensions, the US may not see Pakistan as a credible or neutral mediator, according to the report. Notably, the news has created a stir in Pakistan with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) planning protests against Munir’s US visit, calling him a criminal.
It is expected that Pakistan will seek US assurances about the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghanistan. Historically, while India has always reiterated that any issue with Pakistan is a bilateral one, Pakistan has sought US mediation. As per the report, the US prefers bilateral dialogue and will most probably not change its stance.
The economic condition of Pakistan is in tatters and hence it is trying to attract investment from global powers apart from China, which has already invested heavily in the country. The country has valuable resources and is looking for major investment. With Munir’s visit, Pakistan is looking to mend its strained relationship with the US and may also bring up its agenda on mediation in Kashmir.
