US President Donald Trump is set to meet Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, for a lunch meeting on Wednesday, according to the official White House itinerary.
General Munir is currently visiting the United States and has faced sharp criticism and protests from overseas Pakistanis and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters during his stay. On Monday, demonstrators gathered in Washington DC, chanting slogans like “Pakistanio ke Qatil” (Murderer of Pakistanis) and “Islamabad ke Qatil” (Murderer of Islamabad), as Munir arrived at a public event.
Videos circulating on social media showed protesters outside the Four Seasons Hotel, where Munir was reportedly staying. Nazia Imtiaz Hussain, Executive Director of The Alliance Organisation, posted footage on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Munir of dictatorial practices and slamming supporters of his visit as enablers of fascism.
“We’re here to protest the criminal dictator of Pakistan. Shame on every bootlicker who showed up in support of fascism—you didn’t just betray democracy; you spit on the suffering of millions,” Hussain posted.
PTI USA also amplified the protests online, stating that Pakistani-Americans were holding Munir accountable for alleged human rights abuses and political suppression in Pakistan.
The Trump-Munir meeting comes at a time when the US President is deeply engaged in managing the ongoing West Asia crisis. Trump has taken a hardline stance against Iran, demanding its “unconditional surrender” via a series of Truth Social posts and asserting American control over Iranian airspace.
Ironically, during his Washington visit, General Munir expressed support for Iran amid its escalating conflict with Israel. He emphasized Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran while calling for an end to hostilities.
Meanwhile, Israel has intensified airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, prompting direct retaliation from Tehran. Trump continues to vocally support Israel, reiterating that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
The upcoming Trump-Munir lunch is expected to spark further debate, given the sharp contrast in their positions on the West Asia conflict and the controversy surrounding Munir’s domestic and international image.
