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Asim Munir

The latest news and updates on Asim Munir, a distinguished military officer, he currently serves as Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, a role he assumed in November 2022. Recently promoted to Field Marshal in May 2025, he is only the second in Pakistan’s history to achieve this five-star rank, reflecting his strategic leadership. His extensive career includes heading both Military Intelligence and the Inter-Services Intelligence, commanding XXX Corps, and serving as Quartermaster General. Known for his professional acumen and intelligence background, Munir has focused on national security and regional stability, with his tenure extended until at least November 2027.

Pedestrians in downtown Tehran walk past a mural depicting a US aircraft carrier under missile attack. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

US voices hope for Iran deal as Pakistan mediator seeks breakthrough

With Trump warning of renewed strikes, Pakistan’s army chief is expected in Tehran for ‘talks and consultations’.

22 May 2026 - 2:54PMvideocam

India-Pakistan tensions

Why India, Pakistan cannot afford another war right now

17 May 2026 - 4:02PMvideocam

Middle East

Lebanese minister backs Hezbollah disarmament, but warns it will take time

28 Apr 2026 - 5:39PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump and Iran trade red lines as Putin enters the diplomatic crossfire

Message via Pakistan outlines terms on nuclear work and Strait of Hormuz, as Moscow signals support and Washington considers next move.

28 Apr 2026 - 8:57AMvideocam

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, meets Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday in St Petersburg. Photo: AP

China-Middle East relations

Iran’s foreign minister returns to Pakistan after Trump cancels envoys’ trip

Tehran pursues urgent regional coordination as US president orders his negotiators to stay home.

28 Apr 2026 - 8:53AM

Pakistan

US says direct talks are on, Iran says no: confusion over Pakistan meeting

Trump sends Witkoff and Kushner; meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry denies US discussions even as Araghchi arrives in Islamabad.

25 Apr 2026 - 7:06PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war latest: Trump’s new threat, IRGC attacks ship, fuel prices hit flights

US president’s ceasefire extension followed by threats to ‘blow up’ rest of Iran, as Tehran refuses to join peace talks while Hormuz blockade continues.

22 Apr 2026 - 8:34PMvideocam

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the US blockade of Iran’s ports violated the ceasefire and amounted to “an act of war”. Photo: Stringer/dpa

US, Israel war on Iran

Lebanon becomes key to Iran-US peace talks amid fears of Israel’s ‘hegemony’

Pakistan is the regional go-between to help maintain the 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon and push for a conclusive deal to end the Iran war.

17 Apr 2026 - 9:00PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Lebanon’s president refuses talks with Israel amid Trump’s peace push

The Lebanese leader said Beirut’s position is that a ceasefire should ⁠precede negotiations.

16 Apr 2026 - 11:17PM

China-India relations

Exclusive | Quad summit plan turns uneasy as India pushes ahead without top leaders: sources

Trump foresees a ‘big, fat hug’ from China’s Xi Jinping as New Delhi mulls a face-saver Quad meet-up without the US president.

16 Apr 2026 - 2:29PMvideocam

India’s Narendra Modi embraces Donald Trump at the White House on June 26, 2017. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

US cites optimism over a deal even as Iran threatens to close Red Sea shipping

US Treasury to end Iran oil waivers, warning China – top buyer – that banks risk secondary sanctions as American pressure intensifies.

16 Apr 2026 - 4:43AMvideocam

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz faces renewed uncertainty as US restrictions and Iranian warnings unsettle key shipping lanes. Photo: Getty Images

Pakistan

Pakistan seeks to shield Gulf states as US-Iran talks set to resume

A senior official involved in Islamabad’s diplomacy says it is trying to defuse the crisis ‘in any way we can’.

15 Apr 2026 - 10:50PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US presses Iran as talks gear up in Pakistan under fragile ceasefire

Vice-President J.D. Vance to lead negotiations in Islamabad as Tehran sets preconditions, Trump warns of military action if diplomacy fails.

11 Apr 2026 - 6:20AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Who is Asim Munir and how did he bring Iran and the US to the talks table?

After stepping into the domestic spotlight last year, the Pakistani military chief is now emerging as a player in world affairs.

8 Apr 2026 - 9:53PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump poses in the White House with Pakistan’s military chief Asim Munir (right) and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on September 26, 2025. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Pakistan plan a ‘critical opportunity’ for US-Iran talks as Trump deadline looms

Islamabad has put forward proposals for a ceasefire as the US president threatens ‘hell’ for Iran if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen.

6 Apr 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

Air strikes on Iran continue on Monday ahead of US President Donald Trump’s deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Fuel, food and fury: how the Iran war could topple South Asian governments

Analysts warn the crisis is threatening to spill over into wider economic and political instability.

5 Apr 2026 - 1:30PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump calls Iran ‘loser’ after president apologises for strikes on neighbours

Although Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would halt attacks on regional nations, intense fire has still been targeting Gulf states.

7 Mar 2026 - 10:36PMvideocam

Pakistan

11 soldiers, 1 child killed in Pakistan after suicide bomber hits security post

Seven other civilians were injured in the blast, which damaged part of the compound and nearby homes.

17 Feb 2026 - 10:39PM

Emergency workers help the injured after a militant attack in Bajaur, Pakistan, on Tuesday. Photo: Pakistan Red Crescent/Reuters

China-India relations

Trump, Modi have ‘warm’ phone call – but 2025 unlikely to end with a trade deal

Even after calls for India to contribute more in the Indo-Pacific to counter China and deepen defence ties, Trump refuses to budge on trade concessions.

12 Dec 2025 - 7:07AMvideocam

India

US-Pakistan ties ‘not at the expense of India’: Rubio

The US’ pivot towards Pakistan under Donald Trump has irked India, which has been hit with 50 per cent tariffs.

27 Oct 2025 - 2:28PMvideocam

India

Opinion | Why India is hedging its bets on another China charm offensive

As Washington pushes New Delhi closer to Beijing, both Asian powers must exercise strategic patience for an effective detente.

13 Oct 2025 - 5:30AM

Pakistan

Will plan for port in Pakistan with US involvement fuel regional tensions?

Under the plan, the port in Balochistan will be used to access Pakistan’s critical minerals in a region where China has a strong presence.

12 Oct 2025 - 5:00PMvideocam

The Gwadar port in Balochistan, Pakistan, a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Photo: Xinhua

China-India relations

India says it destroyed Pakistan’s Chinese and US-made fighter jets in clashes

New Delhi’s claim marks first detailed account of Kashmir conflict, but experts warn losses may be exaggerated.

4 Oct 2025 - 2:00AMvideocam

Middle East

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign defence pact amid growing wariness over US

An Israeli attack on Qatar last week has heightened concerns about Washington’s reliability as a security guarantor in the region.

18 Sep 2025 - 5:21PMvideocam

Brics

Opinion | Trump targeting Brics is bolstering bloc’s global standing

Trump’s attacks are driving what Brics was meant to do: encourage cooperation among non-Western powers and reduce dependence on the US.

14 Aug 2025 - 9:10AMvideocam

Leaders from Brics member nations take part in the bloc’s 17th annual summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6. Photo: AP

India

‘No permanent friends’: Trump’s Pakistan pivot leaves India in the lurch

The US president announced a ‘massive’ oil exploration deal with Pakistan soon after imposing a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods.

3 Aug 2025 - 5:00PMvideocam

Supporters of India’s main opposition Congress party burn an effigy of US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during protest against the US imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all Indian goods. Photo: dpa

China's military weapons

Will Chinese Z-10ME attack helicopters now power Pakistan’s military?

Social media posts suggest Pakistan has received a shipment of advanced aircraft similar to helicopter China has deployed near Indian border.

2 Aug 2025 - 10:00PM

Diplomacy

Opinion | US shift towards Pakistan may unsettle India and the South Asia balance

Islamabad welcomes the opportunity to hedge against China but New Delhi may well go looking for other, more reliable partners.

30 Jun 2025 - 8:30PMvideocam

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Asim Munir

US voices hope for Iran deal as Pakistan mediator seeks breakthrough

With Trump warning of renewed strikes, Pakistan’s army chief is expected in Tehran for ‘talks and consultations’.

Why India, Pakistan cannot afford another war right now

Lebanese minister backs Hezbollah disarmament, but warns it will take time

Trump and Iran trade red lines as Putin enters the diplomatic crossfire

Message via Pakistan outlines terms on nuclear work and Strait of Hormuz, as Moscow signals support and Washington considers next move.

Iran’s foreign minister returns to Pakistan after Trump cancels envoys’ trip

Tehran pursues urgent regional coordination as US president orders his negotiators to stay home.

US says direct talks are on, Iran says no: confusion over Pakistan meeting

Trump sends Witkoff and Kushner; meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry denies US discussions even as Araghchi arrives in Islamabad.

Iran war latest: Trump’s new threat, IRGC attacks ship, fuel prices hit flights

US president’s ceasefire extension followed by threats to ‘blow up’ rest of Iran, as Tehran refuses to join peace talks while Hormuz blockade continues.

Lebanon becomes key to Iran-US peace talks amid fears of Israel’s ‘hegemony’

Pakistan is the regional go-between to help maintain the 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon and push for a conclusive deal to end the Iran war.

Lebanon’s president refuses talks with Israel amid Trump’s peace push

The Lebanese leader said Beirut’s position is that a ceasefire should ⁠precede negotiations.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Quad summit plan turns uneasy as India pushes ahead without top leaders: sources

Trump foresees a ‘big, fat hug’ from China’s Xi Jinping as New Delhi mulls a face-saver Quad meet-up without the US president.

US cites optimism over a deal even as Iran threatens to close Red Sea shipping

US Treasury to end Iran oil waivers, warning China – top buyer – that banks risk secondary sanctions as American pressure intensifies.

Pakistan seeks to shield Gulf states as US-Iran talks set to resume

A senior official involved in Islamabad’s diplomacy says it is trying to defuse the crisis ‘in any way we can’.

US presses Iran as talks gear up in Pakistan under fragile ceasefire

Vice-President J.D. Vance to lead negotiations in Islamabad as Tehran sets preconditions, Trump warns of military action if diplomacy fails.

Who is Asim Munir and how did he bring Iran and the US to the talks table?

After stepping into the domestic spotlight last year, the Pakistani military chief is now emerging as a player in world affairs.

Pakistan plan a ‘critical opportunity’ for US-Iran talks as Trump deadline looms

Islamabad has put forward proposals for a ceasefire as the US president threatens ‘hell’ for Iran if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen.

Fuel, food and fury: how the Iran war could topple South Asian governments

Analysts warn the crisis is threatening to spill over into wider economic and political instability.

Trump calls Iran ‘loser’ after president apologises for strikes on neighbours

Although Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would halt attacks on regional nations, intense fire has still been targeting Gulf states.

11 soldiers, 1 child killed in Pakistan after suicide bomber hits security post

Seven other civilians were injured in the blast, which damaged part of the compound and nearby homes.

Trump, Modi have ‘warm’ phone call – but 2025 unlikely to end with a trade deal

Even after calls for India to contribute more in the Indo-Pacific to counter China and deepen defence ties, Trump refuses to budge on trade concessions.

US-Pakistan ties ‘not at the expense of India’: Rubio

The US’ pivot towards Pakistan under Donald Trump has irked India, which has been hit with 50 per cent tariffs.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Why India is hedging its bets on another China charm offensive

As Washington pushes New Delhi closer to Beijing, both Asian powers must exercise strategic patience for an effective detente.

Will plan for port in Pakistan with US involvement fuel regional tensions?

Under the plan, the port in Balochistan will be used to access Pakistan’s critical minerals in a region where China has a strong presence.

India says it destroyed Pakistan’s Chinese and US-made fighter jets in clashes

New Delhi’s claim marks first detailed account of Kashmir conflict, but experts warn losses may be exaggerated.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign defence pact amid growing wariness over US

An Israeli attack on Qatar last week has heightened concerns about Washington’s reliability as a security guarantor in the region.

Opinion | Trump targeting Brics is bolstering bloc’s global standing

Trump’s attacks are driving what Brics was meant to do: encourage cooperation among non-Western powers and reduce dependence on the US.

‘No permanent friends’: Trump’s Pakistan pivot leaves India in the lurch

The US president announced a ‘massive’ oil exploration deal with Pakistan soon after imposing a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods.

Will Chinese Z-10ME attack helicopters now power Pakistan’s military?

Social media posts suggest Pakistan has received a shipment of advanced aircraft similar to helicopter China has deployed near Indian border.

Opinion | US shift towards Pakistan may unsettle India and the South Asia balance

Islamabad welcomes the opportunity to hedge against China but New Delhi may well go looking for other, more reliable partners.

Exclusive | Quad summit plan turns uneasy as India pushes ahead without top leaders: sources

Opinion | Why India is hedging its bets on another China charm offensive