COAS Asim Munir met top US leadership, UN chief on Kashmir and Gaza conflict

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir in his ongoing visit to US called on Antony J. Blinken – US Secretary of State, General Llyod J. Austin (Retired) – Secretary of Defence, Victoria Nuland – Deputy Secretary of State, Jonathan Finer – Deputy National Security Adviser and General Charles Q Brown – Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The ISPR in a statement said : ” Matters of bilateral interests, global and regional security issues, and ongoing conflicts were discussed during the meetings. Both sides agreed to continue engagement for exploring potential avenues of bilateral collaboration in pursuit of shared interests”.

During the meetings with defence officials, counter-terrorism and defence collaboration were identified as core areas of cooperation.Both sides reiterated the intent to increase interaction and explore ways to expand the scope of mutually-beneficial engagements.

The COAS underscored the importance of understanding each other’s perspectives on regional security issues and developments affecting strategic stability in South Asia, ISPR added.

COAS also highlighted that US is the largest export market for Pakistan constituting 21.5 % of our total exports and dispelled rumours about special screening, denial of visas and detentions.

General Asim Munir meets Pakistani diaspora in US

During interaction, topics of varying dimensions were discussed and COAS appreciated efforts of Pakistani Diaspora. He also welcomed & encouraged the diaspora to invest through SIFC which is already yielding success in various dimensions.

Army Chief said “Pakistani diaspora anywhere around the world is held in high regard as they are ambassadors of Pakistan and contribute significantly to Pakistan in varying domains.

COAS extended good wishes to the complete Pakistani community in their efforts. He also met Mr Tanweer Ahmed who graciously had donated $ 9 million for NUST in the field of IT development in Pakistan. COAS appreciated him and said Pakistan is proud of heroes like him.

General Asim Munir meets UN chief

General Asim Munir also called on António Guterres, the UN secretary general, at the UN Headquarters in New York. 

“Peace in South Asia will remain elusive until a peaceful solution to the longstanding Kashmir dispute is found in accordance with the [UN Security Council] UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of Kashmiri people,” the COAS said, according to the military’s media wing.

The army chief, in a meeting with Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York, also condemned unilateral and illegal efforts of India towards changing the status of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as it violates the UNSC resolutions.

General Asim Munir reiterated Pakistan’s stance on the Palestine issue, Gen Munir urged the UN chief to mobilise the international community for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza to prevent the unfolding human tragedy and highlighted that an enduring solution to the issue lies in the two-state solution.