Field Marshal Asim Munir praises Trump’s role in Pakistan-India ceasefire

(Web Desk): In a rare high-level meeting at the White House, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, commended former US President Donald Trump for his “constructive and result-oriented role” in facilitating the ceasefire between Pakistan and India following last month’s armed conflict.

The meeting took place over lunch in the White House Cabinet Room on Wednesday. President Trump was accompanied by Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio and US Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs Steve Witkoff. Field Marshal Munir was joined by Pakistan’s National Security Adviser.

According to a statement from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Munir praised Trump’s statesmanship and his ability to grasp and address the complex challenges facing the international community. President Trump, in turn, lauded Munir’s leadership and decisiveness amid a turbulent regional environment. He also commended Pakistan’s efforts to maintain regional peace and stability and highlighted the strong counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting, initially scheduled for one hour, extended to over two hours as the two sides explored opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors. These included trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and other emerging technologies.

US President Trump expressed strong interest in establishing a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan, built on long-term strategic alignment and shared interests. The engagement was described as a significant milestone in strengthening the enduring partnership between Pakistan and the United States, centered on common goals of peace, stability, and prosperity.

In addition to bilateral issues, the meeting addressed the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Field Marshal Munir and President Trump emphasized the importance of resolving the conflict to promote regional stability.

Reflecting the warmth of the bilateral relationship, Field Marshal Munir extended an official invitation to President Trump to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.

Earlier, speaking to journalists, President Trump said he felt “honored” to meet Field Marshal Munir and reiterated that he invited the army chief to personally thank him for ending the war with India. Trump also noted Pakistan’s close knowledge of Iran, saying, “Well, they [Pakistan] know Iran better than most.” He further mentioned that trade deals were under discussion with Pakistan.

Field Marshal Munir’s visit comes against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s instrumental role in brokering the ceasefire between Islamabad and New Delhi after last month’s violent clashes sparked by the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. India had blamed Pakistan for the attack without providing evidence.

The conflict lasted 87 hours and involved cross-border strikes from both sides. It resulted in the deaths of 40 civilians and 13 armed forces personnel in Pakistan. In retaliation to Indian aggression, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos and shot down six Indian Air Force fighter jets, including three Rafales.

The hostilities concluded on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US. Beyond the ceasefire, President Trump has also offered to mediate the longstanding Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India, signaling a potential new chapter in regional diplomacy.