ISLAMABAD: Pakistani media have reported that General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, has traveled to the United States for the second time in three months. According to Pakistani military sources, the purpose of his visit includes attending the change of command ceremony at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in Tampa, meeting with senior officials from the Pentagon, the White House, and the National Security Council, and discussing defense cooperation, regional stability, and expanding economic ties. Previously, he visited the U.S. in June for a five-day trip, during which he also met with President Donald Trump. Pakistani sources indicated that one of the objectives of that visit was to address counter-terrorism efforts. Additionally, a significant trade agreement was signed during that trip, reducing tariffs on Pakistani goods imported into the U.S. from 29% to 19%, in exchange for supplying oil resources to the U.S. market. The Pakistani military’s public relations office announced that during this latest visit, General Munir also engaged in discussions with defense leaders from allied nations. This visit comes at a time when U.S.-India relations are deteriorating. Recently, President Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian products through an executive order related to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. This tariff, set to take effect on August 27, targets significant Indian exports like textiles, jewelry, and automotive parts. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has called this action “unfair and unreasonable,” asserting that it will take necessary measures to protect its national interests.
