The White House has officially denied inviting Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir to the US Army Parade in Washington, putting to rest widespread speculation that had caused political controversy, particularly in India.
The US will hold the parade on June 14 to mark 250 years of its armed forces, which also coincides with former President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Rumors Spark Political Controversy
Earlier reports had claimed that Asim Munir, recently promoted to Field Marshal, would attend the parade as a guest of honour. The rumors triggered significant backlash, especially in India, where political leaders and defense experts expressed concern over the alleged development.
India’s main opposition party, the Congress, called it a diplomatic setback for New Delhi, which has sought to diplomatically isolate Pakistan over its alleged support for terrorism.
A White House official firmly denied the reports, stating, “This is false. No foreign military leaders were invited.” The clarification has effectively ended days of speculation over whether the US was extending any symbolic recognition to Pakistan’s top military leader.
Analysts and Leaders React
Among the critics of the reported invitation was senior defense analyst Derek Grossman of RAND Corporation, who posted on X:
“For India, the Trump admin’s invitation to Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir is tantamount to inviting an avowed anti-India terrorist.”
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also seized the opportunity to question India’s diplomatic strategy:
“Failed Marshal Asim Munir, who gave such inflammatory, incendiary and provocative statements, talked about the two-nation theory, Hindus and Muslims, and there is a direct relation between his statement and what happened in Pahalgam on April 22. Same Asim Munir gets a special invitation to go to America on U.S. Army Day on June 14, which is incomprehensible.”
The White House’s denial has exposed the controversy as misinformation, though diplomatic sensitivities around such figures remain high.
