COAS Asim Munir Embarks on Maiden Visit To US Amidst Strategic Talks

ISLAMABAD: General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, embarked on his inaugural official visit to the United States on Sunday, as announced in a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The military’s media wing briefly mentioned that General Munir is “scheduled to engage with senior military and other government officials of the US.”

This visit follows the recent presence of senior US officials in Pakistan. Last week, a representative of the Biden administration focused on refugee issues and conducted a four-day visit to Islamabad, marking the initial part of a series of visits by American officials.

Julieta Valls Noyes, the US assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, extended her stay in the federal capital until Thursday.

Subsequent to her visit on December 7, US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Tom West commenced his trip to Islamabad. Following West’s visit, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Horst, overseeing Pakistan, arrived on December 9.

Recently Read: COAS Asim Munir Meets Crown Prince of Kuwait, Strengthens Bilateral Ties

These visits coincide with Pakistan’s initiative to expel all illegal Afghan residents, escalating tensions with the Afghan Taliban concerning the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the impending general elections scheduled for February.

“Pakistan and the United States continue consultations on a range of issues. To facilitate these discussions, reciprocal visits also occur,” mentioned Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the Foreign Office spokesperson, offering context to the series of visits.

Pakistan has initiated a crackdown on illegal Afghan residents following the October 31 deadline. Since then, the US has been in contact with Pakistan to ensure the protection of Afghans eligible for immigration to the US.

Also Read: COAS Stresses Excellence at Corps Level Collective Training Exercise of Strike Corps

Approximately 25,000 Afghans in Pakistan, who worked with the US during its Afghanistan military campaign, are awaiting completion of the immigration process after being stranded following the US withdrawal.

The US is collaborating with Pakistan to devise a practical solution to prevent the deportation of these Afghans to Afghanistan.

Concerns also linger about the potential eviction of individuals such as musicians, artists, journalists, and others. The US is advocating for the safeguarding of vulnerable Afghans, emphasizing that only those without legal status will be repatriated initially, according to Pakistani officials.

Tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban government have escalated due to Kabul’s reluctance to take decisive action against the TTP. The US is apprehensive that heightened tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban government could lead to instability in Afghanistan.