Trump to Host Pakistan’s Army Chief in White House Lunch Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, for a private lunch at the White House on Wednesday, according to the president’s official schedule. The meeting, slated for 1:00 p.m. in the Cabinet Room, comes shortly after the White House refuted claims that Munir had been invited to a U.S. Army 250th anniversary parade on June 14.

General Munir arrived in Washington on Sunday for a five-day official visit aimed at strengthening military and strategic ties between the U.S. and Pakistan. The lunch with Trump is a key part of his itinerary, which also includes meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The timing of the visit is notable, given recent regional tensions. Munir’s trip follows a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed 26 civilian lives. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has publicly attributed the attack to the “extreme religious outlook” of Pakistan’s military leadership, specifically pointing to Munir. The attack escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, culminating in clashes along the Line of Control in April and May, before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

The White House has restricted media access to the Trump-Munir lunch, signaling a closed-door discussion. No specific agenda has been disclosed, but the meeting is expected to address regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and bilateral military cooperation.

This engagement marks Munir’s first official visit to the U.S. since the recent India-Pakistan skirmishes, highlighting the delicate balance of diplomatic relations in the region. The White House’s earlier denial of Munir’s parade invitation underscores the sensitivity surrounding his presence in Washington.

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