Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is scheduled to visit the United States on June 14 to attend the 250th anniversary celebrations of the US Army in Washington, DC. The high-profile event, featuring over 6,000 troops, 150 vehicles, and 50 aircraft, marks the first grand military parade in the US since 1991. Munir’s visit, at the invitation of the US military, comes amid heightened diplomatic sensitivity following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which India has blamed on Pakistani-backed groups.

Munir, recently promoted to the ceremonial rank of Field Marshal, the second in Pakistan's history has emerged as a central figure in Pakistan’s strategic and military leadership. His elevation is seen as a recognition of his role in managing internal and regional security challenges. The timing of his visit, following India’s Operation Sindoor and fresh Indo-Pak tensions, has sparked diplomatic interest, particularly as Washington balances its ties with both South Asian rivals. A senior US military official recently emphasized that American relationships with India and Pakistan should not be viewed through a binary lens.

Alongside the ceremonial parade, Munir is expected to hold key discussions with senior officials at CENTCOM and the Pentagon. These meetings are seen as a sign of Washington’s intent to revitalize defence cooperation with Islamabad, even as regional dynamics shift due to geopolitical challenges in South Asia. Analysts suggest the US is keen to maintain communication with Pakistan’s powerful military establishment, particularly as counter terrorism and regional stability remain high on its strategic agenda. The visit could mark a significant chapter in renewed US-Pakistan military engagement after a period of strained relations.