Pakistan’s Field Marshal and Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir will attend the 250th Foundation Day of the US Army at the US capital Washington DC on 14 June. According to intelligence sources, Munir will arrive in the US on June 12 and will participate in this historic military ceremony along with other military leaders in the world. This information has been given by CNN-NEWS18 quoting high level intelligence sources. During this visit, the US may ask Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups targeting Afghanistan and India.
This visit of Munir is taking place at a time when global strategic tussle between the US and China continues. According to sources, this invitation has been given not against India, but in view of Pakistan’s strategic importance and its proximity to China.
America upset with the growing closeness with China
The US is concerned that China has come under great impact through projects like Pakistan, CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) and BRI (Belt and Road Initiative). Therefore, Washington is not convinced of Pakistan’s alleged “neutrality”.
The US may expect action against terrorist groups involved in attacks on Afghanistan and India during the ASIM Munir visit. While Pakistan is expected to seek assurance from the US regarding Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is running from Afghanistan.
Preparation for Munir’s protest in America!
However, America no longer considers Pakistan as a ‘reliable media’. According to sources, the US policy is still to maintain distance from third party mediation on Indo-Pak issues.
There is also a political fierce battle within Pakistan over this visit of General Munir. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has started preparing to protest against his visit, calling Munir a “criminal”.
Sources say that Pakistan has been alert about the Chinese debt trap and is now expecting investment from the US and other global forces for resources such as lithium, copper, gold and rare-economies.
However, Pakistan is afraid that no other foreign power should occupy its resources on the lines of China. So he wants to invest on his terms.
It is believed that in this visit, Pakistan can also repeat the demand for mediation from the US on the Kashmir issue. However, India has already dismissed the role of a third party outright, and the US has also been in favor of bilateral talks so far.
