In meeting with US think tanks, COAS says Pakistan wishes to develop itself as a connectivity hub

[Dalit]

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir interacted with US think thanks and said Pakistan wished to develop itself as a hub of connectivity and “eschews bloc politics”, the military’s media affairs wing said on Wednesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief engaged in a “candid discourse” with members of prominent US think tanks and media. He was received by the Ambassador of Pakistan to the US.

During the interaction, he put across Pakistan’s perspective on regional security, transnational terrorism and the importance of maintaining strategic stability in South Asia.

“The COAS said Pakistan is a country of consequence both from geopolitical and geoeconomic perspectives and wishes to develop itself as a hub of connectivity and a gateway to Central Asia and beyond,” the ISPR said.

However, the country “eschews bloc politics” and believed in maintaining “balanced relationships” with all friendly countries, Gen Munir was quoted as saying.

He further highlighted that Pakistan desired to broaden bilateral engagement with the US through a long-term and multi-domain partnership. The army chief recalled that his interactions during the visit to the US with political and military leadership were “very positive and forward-looking for further strengthening the relationship”, the ISPR said.

“The COAS also highlighted that Pakistan has stood as a bulwark against transnational terrorism for decades to ensure regional stability and global peace and security. It has made unparalleled contributions and sacrifices in its enduring fight against terrorism and will continue to fight till the logical end, in line with the aspirations of the people of Pakistan,” it added.

The COAS also stressed the need for resolution of the Kashmir issue as per the aspirations of the people of Kashmir and the United Nations resolutions.

“Kashmir is an internationally accepted dispute and no unilateral action can alter the nature of this dispute against the wishes of millions of people in the area,” he said.

Further, the army highlighted the immediate need for ending sufferings in Gaza, provision of humanitarian assistance and implementation of the two-state resolution, the ISPR added.

The army chief landed in Washington last week on his first official visit to the US. Last week, Gen Munir met key government officials including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defence (retired) General Llyod J. Austin, Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown.

The COAS also held a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday. A day earlier, he visited the headquarters of the US Central Command (Centcom) in Tampa, Florida, and met with the commander, Gen Michael Erik Kurilla.

Beyond the official diplomatic engagements, Gen Munir extended a charm offensive to the Pakistani diaspora in the US during a community dinner hosted by the Pakistan embassy last week.

In meeting with US think tanks, COAS says Pakistan wishes to develop itself as a connectivity hub

Pakistan "eschews bloc politics" and believes in maintaining "balanced relationships" with all friendly countries, ISPR quotes army chief as saying.

www.dawn.com

 

[Dalit]

The only major problem for the COAS is that he is sandwiched between US and China rivalry. It is also no secret that the US has already chosen its strategic partner in South Asia: India.

The COAS believes he can convince the Americans to transform Pakistan into another Singapore. On the contrary, the US perceives Pakistan to be a hurdle in two respects: its close friendship with China and its mutually hostile ties with India.

Is it a futile exercise to present Pakistan as a hub of connectivity to CAS?

 

[RescueRanger]

The only major problem for the COAS is that he is sandwiched between US and China rivalry. it is also no secret that the US has already chosen its strategic partner in South Asia: India.

The COAS believes he can convince the Americans to transform Pakistan into another Singapore. On the contrary, the US perceives Pakistan to be a hurdle in two respects: its close friendship with China and its mutually hostile ties with India. This picture is not likely to change soon.

Pakistan's cooperation with the US will always remain limited to regional security. The reason as you have already eluded is that the US sees India as their partner and buffer against China. But Pakistan needs to work in partnership with both China and the US and regional nations if we are to counter the security threats posed by the TTA and their associates.

 

[Waz]

The army chief landed in Washington last week on his first official visit to the US. Last week, Gen Munir met key government officials including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defence (retired) General Llyod J. Austin, Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown.

That's quite the list....

Connectivity, to what, to whom or is it between?

 

[313Ghazi]

It' so embarassing that an army chief is talking about our politics. Reminds me of this guy...

 

[Dalit]

Pakistan's cooperation with the US will always remain limited to regional security. The reason as you have already eluded is that the US sees India as their partner and buffer against China. But Pakistan needs to work in partnership with both China and the US and regional nations if we are to counter the security threats posed by the TTA and their associates.

Sounds like a deadlock of some sort. The Americans won't ditch Pakistan because that would give China too much influence. On the other hand, Pakistan wants to benefit from all sides including the US. The US won't get too involved with Pakistan to keep ally India happy.

The relationship between Pakistan and the US will remain lukewarm and strictly security related. I don't see much scope in other areas.

The Americans also benefit from weakening the relationship between Pakistan and China. This won't happen, but Pakistan is expected to keep both sides happy.

It is not the most ideal scenario where Pakistan is fully benefiting from all ends.

 

[indushek]

“The COAS said Pakistan is a country of consequence both from geopolitical and geoeconomic perspectives and wishes to develop itself as a hub of connectivity and a gateway to Central Asia and beyond,” the ISPR said.

The bolded part clearly seems to be pointing, towards movement of Goods from SAARC countries besides Pakistan. Chinese already have access, so will not be about them. Problem is that, there's Afghanistan and Iran if am not wrong on the way to CAR and beyond.

Curious that this is mentioned not to users (if it ever happens), but to the end customer.

 

[RescueRanger]

The army chief landed in Washington last week on his first official visit to the US. Last week, Gen Munir met key government officials including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defence (retired) General Llyod J. Austin, Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown.

That's quite the list....

Connectivity, to what, to whom or is it between?

OTH/ALOC/GLOC, we are back in 2005.

 

[indushek]

Sounds like a deadlock of some sort. The Americans won't ditch Pakistan because that would give China too much influence. On the other hand, Pakistan wants to benefit from all sides including the US. The US won't get too involved with Pakistan to keep ally India happy.

The relationship between Pakistan and the US will remain lukewarm and strictly security related. I don't see much scope in other areas.

The Americans also benefit from weakening the relationship between Pakistan and China. This won't have much of an impact, but Pakistan is expected to keep both sides happy.

It is not the most ideal scenario where Pakistan is fully benefiting from all ends.

They might be involved, if they want to pressurize so called ally India. Works both ways

 

[Falcon26]

The army chief landed in Washington last week on his first official visit to the US. Last week, Gen Munir met key government officials including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defence (retired) General Llyod J. Austin, Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown.

That's quite the list....

Connectivity, to what, to whom or is it between?

Connectivity to GHQ- Rawalpindi.

 

[RescueRanger]

Sounds like a deadlock of some sort. The Americans won't ditch Pakistan because that would give China too much influence. On the other hand, Pakistan wants to benefit from all sides including the US. The US won't get too involved with Pakistan to keep ally India happy.

The relationship between Pakistan and the US will remain lukewarm and strictly security related. I don't see much scope in other areas.

The Americans also benefit from weakening the relationship between Pakistan and China. This won't have much of an impact, but Pakistan is expected to keep both sides happy.

It is not the most ideal scenario where Pakistan is fully benefiting from all ends.

To be brutally honest, our foreign policy needs a rework.

Connectivity to GHQ- Rawalpindi.

Yar yeh ap loag phir institutions ko involve kar rahey ho. Phir Chaha Rickshaw ko dawat dey rahey ho ap.

 

[Dalit]

The army chief landed in Washington last week on his first official visit to the US. Last week, Gen Munir met key government officials including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defence (retired) General Llyod J. Austin, Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown.

That's quite the list....

Connectivity, to what, to whom or is it between?

I think the COAS and the Pakistani army have been living this dream of becoming a trade/connectivity hub between Central Asian states for the Americans. It is a pipe dream. The Americans aren't interested in any hub. After the exit from Afghanistan the Americans have only one utility for Pakistan. It is a strict security relationship. Another objective is to keep Pakistan away from China as much as possible. The real trade/hub for the US is with and through India.

To be brutally honest, our foreign policy needs a rework.


Yar yeh ap loag phir institutions ko involve kar rahey ho. Phir Chaha Rickshaw ko dawat dey rahey ho ap.

It needs more than rework. It needs a reality check. What the COAS seeks is not possible. The Americans aren't interested. The Americans have one strategic ally and that is India. Pakistan solely serves a security purpose.

There is great detachment with reality at GHQ.

 

[RescueRanger]

I think the COAS and the Pakistani army have been living this dream of becoming a trade/connectivity hub between Central Asian states. It is a pipe dream. The Americans aren't interested in any hub. After the exit from Afghanistan the Americans have only one utility for Pakistan. It is a strict security relationship. Also, keeping Pakistan away from China as much as possible. The real trade/hub for the US is with and through India.

The central Asian connectivity hub has already been tabled by China and its labelled CPEC+Afghanistan+. The problem is presently Afghanistan is not playing ball for either China or Pakistan, yes they have sold mineral rights to China for limited sites and have discussed the re-establishment of upgrading the railway network, but China wants security guarantees, which the Afghans are unable to provide, the US has been quietly engaged in Afghanistan since the start of 2022 as well.

US and Taliban join forces to battle ISIS in Afghanistan after disastrous withdrawal: report

The Islamic fundamentalist group – which seized power after the American withdrawal in August 2021 – has reportedly checked the progress of Islamic State-Khorasan.

nypost.com

 

[Dalit]

They might be involved, if they want to pressurize so called ally India. Works both ways

Pressurising is one thing. Actually going ahead is another. The Americans are renowned for using carrot stick policy.

The central Asian connectivity hub has already been tabled by China and its labelled CPEC+Afghanistan+. The problem is presently Afghanistan is not playing ball for either China or Pakistan, yes they have sold mineral rights to China for limited sites and have discussed the re-establishment of upgrading the railway network, but China wants security guarantees, which the Afghans are unable to provide, the US has been quietly engaged in Afghanistan since the start of 2022 as well.

US and Taliban join forces to battle ISIS in Afghanistan after disastrous withdrawal: report

The Islamic fundamentalist group – which seized power after the American withdrawal in August 2021 – has reportedly checked the progress of Islamic State-Khorasan.

nypost.com

Yep. The Americans are playing the spoiler. They wouldn't want China to have success in Afghanistan.

 

[RescueRanger]

I think the COAS and the Pakistani army have been living this dream of becoming a trade/connectivity hub between Central Asian states for the Americans. It is a pipe dream. The Americans aren't interested in any hub. After the exit from Afghanistan the Americans have only one utility for Pakistan. It is a strict security relationship. Another objective is to keep Pakistan away from China as much as possible. The real trade/hub for the US is with and through India.



It needs more than rework. It needs a reality check. What the COAS seeks is not possible. The Americans aren't interested. The Americans have one strategic ally and that is India. Pakistan solely serves a security purpose.

There is great detachment with reality at GHQ.

I think the Americans are actively engaged in countering ISIS-K and there are concerns of TTA associates being up-skilled and sent westward, this is one matter on which the US will engage with Pakistan. As I said, if the formula they are applying seems this way and we read the tea leaves correctly, we are back in 2005.