Trump to meet Pakistan Army chief at White House

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for lunch at the White House on Wednesday, reports DAWN.

The meeting, listed on the president’s official schedule, will be held in the Cabinet Room and closed to the press.

Pakistan's General Munir is currently on a visit to the United States. According to videos circulating on social media, he was met with protests by overseas Pakistanis and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters in Washington, D.C. on Monday.

The meeting between Trump and Munir comes at a tense moment globally, with the US President focused on the escalating crisis in West Asia. On Tuesday, Trump took to Truth Social, demanding an “unconditional surrender” from Iran. He claimed the US had “complete and and total control of the skies over Iran” and knew “exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” warning, “our patience is wearing thin,” before posting: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”

In contrast, General Munir has expressed support for Iran. In a recent speech in Washington, he said Pakistan stands with Iran and hopes for a swift resolution to the conflict.

The backdrop to these developments includes a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, followed by retaliatory attacks from Tehran.