In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan’s top general, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has emerged as a central figure in reshaping South Asia’s geopolitical narrative. Once sidelined by the U.S. in favor of a rapidly ascending India, Pakistan is now quietly re-entering Washington’s orbit—with Munir at the helm.
Just weeks after a tense military standoff with India earlier this year, Munir was seen sharing a private lunch with Donald Trump at the White House. The former U.S. president—still influential in Republican foreign policy circles—followed up with a blow to India: branding it a “dead economy” and slapping a 25% tariff on Indian imports, while simultaneously announcing a fresh trade deal with Pakistan.
According to The Economist, these developments are part of a broader realignment in America’s regional priorities. After a decade of disengagement following the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, the U.S. appears to be reengaging with Islamabad—not just on trade, but also on security cooperation and regional diplomacy, including the Middle East.
From Isolation to Influence
Munir’s rapid ascent isn’t just about diplomacy—it signals a major domestic shift in Pakistan as well. His approval ratings soared after the conflict with India, and the ruling coalition now commands a two-thirds majority in parliament, triggering speculation about constitutional changes that could extend Munir’s influence further—perhaps even into the presidency.
Although Pakistan’s military denies any such ambitions—Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry dismissed the rumors as “nonsense”—the timing has fueled talk of a potential return to military-led governance. If that were to happen, Munir would be Pakistan’s fourth military ruler since independence.
Still, those close to the army chief describe him differently: devout but not dogmatic, pragmatic but assertive. A Quranic scholar and son of a cleric, Munir is the first Pakistani army chief not trained in Western military institutions. Yet, insiders say he has no illusions about extremist groups and reportedly opposes those who “have turned religion into a business.” His firm stance against jihadist networks—some of which are blamed for attacks on Indian soil—has drawn cautious praise from U.S. officials.
Pakistan’s Balancing Act
Munir’s approach differs sharply from his predecessor’s quiet diplomacy. He’s been more confrontational, especially in response to India. In an April speech, days before a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir (which Pakistan denies involvement in), Munir signaled his resolve: “what he stands for, what he is ready to die for,” as his spokesman put it. The military has since warned that any future Indian strikes would be met with deeper retaliation.
Despite the rhetoric, there’s also a quieter side to his strategy. Munir admires Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic modernization drive and has shown growing interest in financial reforms and tech investments—particularly in crypto and mining sectors, where U.S. investors are reportedly exploring deals.
America Looks Again at Islamabad
For Washington, the renewed courtship with Pakistan isn’t without friction. The Biden administration has softened its criticism of Pakistan’s missile program and restarted select aid flows. Talks are underway for a possible arms sale—including armored vehicles and night-vision gear—intended to bolster Pakistan’s counter-insurgency operations.
Even more quietly, U.S. officials are examining Islamabad’s claims that India is supporting rebel groups inside Pakistan—a charge they’ve previously dismissed but are now taking more seriously.
Still, challenges persist. The Pakistani economy remains fragile, deterring large-scale U.S. investment. Mistrust still haunts counter-terrorism cooperation. And although Pakistani officials insist that better ties with Washington won’t damage relations with Beijing, China may not be as sanguine.
The Question That Lingers
At just 57, Munir holds more consolidated power than any Pakistani general since Pervez Musharraf. With no formal term limit, and a cooperative civilian leadership, he could dominate Pakistani politics for years. But to what end?
That question—what exactly Field Marshal Munir wants—now looms large over not just Pakistan, but the entire South Asian region.
For India, the stakes are high. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made clear that future terrorist attacks will trigger strong responses. Pakistan’s military, in turn, has warned that any such retaliation would be met with strikes “starting from the east”—a thinly veiled threat of escalation.
As Pakistan repositions itself between Washington and Beijing, and as tensions with India remain volatile, the answer to that central question may shape the region’s future for years to come.
