Islamabad:
The chief of staff of the army (COAS), Marshal Syed Asim Munnir, congratulated US President Donald Trump on Sunday for his efforts to arrest “many wars”, in particular the screening of a cease-fire between Pakistan and India in May.
The army chief, who is on an official visit to the United States, has held high-level commitments with American political and military leaders, as well as the Pakistani diaspora, according to a statement published here by inter-service public relations (ISPR).
Addressing the Pakistani Americans, the army chief said that Pakistan had obtained notable successes on the diplomatic front, while renting the leadership of President Trump for helping to avoid wars and to create opportunities for a renewed bilateral commitment. The army chief described the Pakistanis abroad as the force of the country, qualifying their role as “brain gain” rather than a brain flight. He said that global ideas, priorities and connections for the new generation were a precious national asset, with the potential to accelerate the progress of Pakistan.
He stressed that the prosperity of the nation was closely linked to its global diaspora. He also said that a planned Pakistan-US trade agreement would bring foreign investments to the country.
Stressing the demographic advantage of Pakistan, the COA noted that 64% of its population was under 30 years of age. He urged expatriates to use their resources and influence to channel investments in the country, adding that national development was inseparable from global engagement.
On security and regional issues, the chief of the army reiterated that Pakistan had no sympathy for the terrorists and has committed to bringing them to justice.
He expressed his concern with regard to the research and analysis of India (RAW) involved in acts of terrorism, warning that such activities were a serious question. He swore a quick and energetic response to any Indian aggression.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position on Jammu-et-Cachemire, the army chief said that it was not an internal question of India but an internationally recognized dispute, echoing Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah of the latter as “jugular vein” of Pakistan.
Earlier, the army chief attended the retirement ceremony of the head of the American central command (Centcom), Michael E Kurilla in Tampa, and the ceremony of change of command for Admiral Brad Cooper, who resumed this role.
The Coas praised the role of the outgoing commander in strengthening bilateral military cooperation and expressed their confidence in the continuous collaboration under the new management.
He also met the president of the joint staff chiefs Dan Caine, discussing questions of mutual professional interest and inviting him to visit Pakistan. On the sidelines, the army chief interacted with the defense leaders of other friendly countries.
While addressing members of the Pakistani diaspora, COAS urged them to remain optimistic about the future of Pakistan and to help attract investments in the country. Expatriates, in turn, have undertaken to support the progress of Pakistan.
The visit comes just two months after the high -level trip of the army chief in Washington, where he met US President Donald Trump and senior administration officials. This visit, considered an important step in recalating the links of Islamabad-Washington, took place in the context of cooling in American-Indian relations.
Observers say that military contacts with renewed soldiers could pave the way for broader cooperation, especially in regional security and terrorism fighting efforts. According to sources, security cooperation between Pakistan and the United States has never been as strong as it is.
Unlike the previous administration Biden, the current American exemption has a more open approach to Pakistan. There was an increasing achievement in the Trump administration that Pakistan, unlike perception, has shown a great desire to work with Washington.
On the other hand, opinion on India in Washington has changed quite spectacularly because many American officials consider their arrogant Indian counterparts and less receptive to concerns.
