Pakistan Army Chief of Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir has been officially invited to participate in the United States' prestigious 250th Army Day parade in Washington, D.C. The gesture serves as a robust diplomatic outreach amid shifting U.S.–Pakistan dynamics and is accompanied by both extensive admiration and political rebuke on the global stage.
/*Unexpected Invitation to International Military Parade*/
Pakistan's powerful military leader will attend the special military parade on June 14, which also coincidentally is the 79th birthday of U.S. President Donald Trump, say American sources. The invitation followed lavish praise by U.S. CENTCOM commander General Michael Kurilla, who called Pakistan "a phenomenal partner in the counterterrorism world" during recent congressional testimony .
/*Enhancing U.S.–Pakistan Military Ties*/
This high-profile invitation is a reflection of resumed officer-to-officer interaction. General Kurilla stated that the U.S. relationship with India and Pakistan is "not a binary switch" and praised Pakistan's cooperation against ISIS‑Khorasan through intelligence sharing, detention, and possible extraditions of extremist individuals. Munir has reportedly accepted the visit invitation and will meet with senior officials from the State Department as well as the Pentagon
/*Regional Fallout and Criticism from India*/
The invitation has sparked sharp criticism in New Delhi. Indian opposition leader Jairam Ramesh called it a “huge diplomatic setback,” pointing to Munir’s recent inflammatory speeches and Pakistan’s suspected links to the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. Analysts argue the U.S. move may undermine India’s Operation Sindoor and contradict New Delhi’s efforts to diplomatically isolate Islamabad
/*Strategic Balancing & Geopolitical Implications*/
This invitation represents a rebalancing of U.S. policy, balancing strategic ties with India while re-engaging with Pakistan amidst broader regional complexities. With Pakistan energized internationally following its recent military intervention—marked by Munir's elevation to Field Marshal rank—Washington appears keen to restore Islamabad as a non-exclusive defence partner in a multipolar world