By ABDULLAH 
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has termed his second visit to the United States in just one and a half months as a “new dimension” in Pakistan-US ties, signaling a renewed phase of strategic and diplomatic cooperation between Islamabad and Washington.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief is currently undertaking an official tour of the US, engaging in high-level meetings with senior American political and military leadership, as well as members of the Pakistani diaspora.
During his visit, Field Marshal Munir attended the Retirement Ceremony of outgoing US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander, General Michael E. Kurilla, in Tampa, Florida, and participated in the Change of Command Ceremony for incoming commander Admiral Brad Cooper.
He lauded General Kurilla’s “exemplary leadership” and invaluable role in enhancing bilateral military cooperation, while expressing confidence in continued collaboration with Admiral Cooper on shared security challenges.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), is undertaking an official visit to the United States. During the visit, he has engaged in high-level interactions with senior political and military leadership, as well as members of the Pakistani diaspora.
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) August 10, 2025
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The COAS also held discussions with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, on matters of mutual strategic interest, extending an invitation for him to visit Pakistan. On the sidelines, he met with defence chiefs from allied nations to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to regional security and counter-terrorism cooperation.
Addressing overseas Pakistanis in Tampa, Field Marshal Munir praised their contributions, calling them a “source of pride and dignity” and rejecting the notion of “brain drain,” instead labeling it a “brain gain” for the nation.
He urged expatriates to remain optimistic about Pakistan’s future and to actively support investment opportunities in the country, especially in light of the newly signed bilateral trade agreement with the US. This deal includes plans for joint development of Pakistan’s untapped oil reserves — a project confirmed by President Donald Trump.
On regional issues, Munir strongly criticized India’s “duplicitous policies” and alleged involvement of its intelligence agency, RAW, in transnational terrorism, citing the killing of a Sikh leader in Canada, the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, and the detention of Indian naval officers in Qatar.
He reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Indian-occupied Kashmir as an “unfinished international agenda” and reaffirmed the country’s support for UN Security Council resolutions on the matter, calling Kashmir the “jugular vein” of Pakistan.
Field Marshal Munir also highlighted Pakistan’s role as “the last stronghold against terrorism,” vowing zero tolerance for extremist groups, including the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The COAS expressed gratitude to President Trump for his “strategic leadership” in preventing a potentially devastating conflict between Pakistan and India earlier this year. Trump, during their June meeting at the White House, had publicly praised Munir for helping secure the ceasefire, calling the encounter an “honour.”
This second visit in under two months reflects what both sides describe as a shift towards a constructive, sustainable, and positive partnership. Munir emphasized that Islamabad is seeking a multi-dimensional relationship with Washington, covering defence, trade, energy, technology, and counter-terrorism.
With several MoUs signed with the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and China already under implementation, Pakistan anticipates enhanced foreign investment and expanded economic cooperation in the coming months.