Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at UN Headquarters in New York and conveyed Pakistan’s concerns over the situation in Gaza, Indian-occupied Kashmir and Afghanistan. General Asim Munir travelled to New York from Washington early Friday after concluding first leg of his visit to US which included discussions with top government and military officials. After his New York stopover, the COAS will now proceed to Tampa, Florida, for talks with General Michael E Kurilla, the commander of the US Central Command. During his meeting with the UN chief, the Army Chief specifically highlighted the need to address the Kashmir issue in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, said a statement issued by the ISPR on Saturday. Both the leaders reflected a consensus on the critical matters and a shared commitment to resolving them through diplomatic means.

During his stay in Washington, General Asim Munir held in-depth talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defence General Lloyd J Austin, Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer, and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q Brown. The meetings laid focus on bilateral interests, global and regional security concerns, and ongoing conflicts. Both parties expressed a mutual commitment to sustained engagement, aiming to explore potential avenues for collaboration in pursuit of shared interests. Notably, counter-terrorism cooperation and defence collaboration emerged as focal points during these high-level talks, with an emphasis on increasing interaction and broadening the scope of beneficial engagements. General Asim Munir also addressed overseas Pakistanis at a reception hosted by the Pakistan Embassy. Commending their positive role in contributing to Pakistan’s progress and development, the COAS urged the diaspora to invest through the Special Investment Facilitation Council. Additionally, he highlighted the United States as Pakistan’s largest export market, dispelling rumours about visa issues and detentions.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)