This visit will mark another attempt to consolidate Pakistan’s role in regional and international politics.
Author: Ahmad Saidi, analyst on Afghanistan and regional affairs (Switzerland), especially for Sangar
Marshal Asim Munir, Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army, is visiting the United States of America for the third time during Donald Trump’s presidency. In addition to meeting with the U.S. President, he will hold talks with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and a number of senior U.S. military and security officials, including several members of Congress.
The main objectives of this visit can be summarized in three key areas:
1 - The deployment of 10,000 to 15,000 Pakistani troops under the banner of peacekeeping forces between Israel and Palestine.
2 - The issue of Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan. Asim Munir insists on his severe punishment and complete removal from politics and seeks to secure U.S. support on this matter.
3 - The future of Afghanistan.
Amid unprecedentedly rapid regional and global developments, this visit, in my view, is not merely ceremonial. Rather, it reflects Pakistan’s strategic calculations aimed at redefining its role in international and regional equations.
a) Pakistan’s participation in peacekeeping forces between Israel and Palestine
Pakistan’s participation in a peacekeeping mission between Israel and Palestine is regarded as a major achievement for the country.
Pakistan intends to deploy between 10,000 and 15,000 troops as peacekeepers between Israel and the Gaza Strip. Islamabad views this move as an opportunity to enhance its political and diplomatic standing, particularly in the Islamic world and in Western countries. However, despite the significance of this decision, it may face domestic opposition, complex regional security challenges, and negative reactions from the parties involved.
b) The fate of Imran Khan and Pakistan’s political stability
The second key focus of the negotiations is the case of Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan. Asim Munir seeks a solution under which Imran Khan would be severely punished and permanently removed from politics, ensuring that he can no longer pose a challenge to Pakistan’s political system.
This issue is particularly important because political instability in Pakistan could have regional repercussions. The United States, for its part, will attempt to prevent an escalation of the internal crisis and its transformation into a new geopolitical challenge.
c) The future of Afghanistan
The third area of discussion concerns the situation in Afghanistan. Pakistan aims to play an active role in Afghan affairs, particularly regarding Bagram Air Base, which is of interest to the United States.
The United States views Pakistan as a key partner—a neighboring country with significant influence—in its engagement with the Taliban. Washington’s expectations of Islamabad include cooperation in the field of security, counterterrorism efforts, and the management of migration.
Conclusion
Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to the United States reflects Pakistan’s aspiration to play a more active role in regional and global crises, which is considered a significant achievement for the country. These efforts may strengthen Pakistan’s international standing, help manage its internal political crisis, and facilitate cooperation on the Afghan dossier.
At the same time, the success of this course depends on Pakistan’s diplomatic capacity and its ability to balance internal pressures with international obligations. The future trajectory of the region may well depend on the policies pursued by Asim Munir.
