The writer is an economist, anchor,
geopolitical analyst and
the President of All Pakistan Private Schools’ Federation
The recent visit of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), to the United Kingdom marks a significant milestone in the Pakistan-UK bilateral relationship. This visit, his second since assuming office in November 2022, underscores the enduring military and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The army chief participated in the seventh Regional Stabilisation Conference at the esteemed Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he delivered the keynote address on ‘The Emerging World Order and Pakistan’s Future Outlook’. The annual conference served as a platform for military dialogue between Pakistan and the UK to foster collaboration, bringing together policymakers, both civilian and military, as well as members of prominent think tanks from both countries. Pakistan and the UK share a long-standing relationship rooted in strong diplomatic, economic, and security ties. General Syed Asim Munir, on the invitation of General Roland Walker, CGS UK Army had a field visit to Warminster and Larkhill Garrisons. COAS was briefed on the modernisation plan of the British Army and Deep Recce Strike Brigade. Niche technologies including AI and uncrewed systems were also showcased by the British Army during the visit. This annual conference was aimed at facilitating military dialogue between Pakistan and the UK, encouraging collaboration among policymakers from both civilian and military sectors, as well as representatives from influential think tanks. General Asim, this second to the UK since assuming the role of COAS in November 2022, underscores the enduring military and diplomatic ties between Pakistan and the UK, rooted in their historical connections, and share a historical military relationship, with many Pakistani officers trained at British institutions like Sandhurst, known for its world-leading officer training. Pakistan gains from: Improved military training and access to advanced technologies, crucial modernization; Potential collaboration in AI and military innovation, reduced reliance on external defence equipment; Strengthened diplomatic ties, band oosting support in international forums on security issues. While the visit primarily affects South Asia, South East Asia may see indirect benefits: Enhanced Pakistan-UK ties could contribute to regional stability, indirectly aiding South East Asia through broader security discussions. Geopolitical discussions, like China’s role, may influence South East Asian dynamics. Technology Focus It’s notable that the visit included detailed briefings on AI and uncrewed systems, highlighting a modern technological focus in military cooperation. During the visit, the British Army also demonstrated its advancements in military technology, showcasing cutting-edge innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) and uncrewed systems. General Asim Munir’s visit to the UK is part of his participation in the 7th Regional Stabilisation Conference at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The conference serves as the leading platform for the annual army-to-army dialogue between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, bringing together senior policymakers, military officials, and members of prominent think tanks from both nations. These meetings were focused on strengthening defence cooperation, addressing shared security challenges, and exploring avenues for deeper collaboration between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. This year’s Stabilisation Conference holds particular significance given the rapidly shifting global security environment. It provides an important opportunity for Pakistan and the UK to exchange perspectives on regional and global stability while reinforcing military and diplomatic ties. Over the years, the two countries’ militaries have maintained robust cooperation, particularly in the domains of counterterrorism and professional training, the statement noted. The visit underscores the enduring partnership between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and global peace. The COAS engaged with key members of the UK’s civil and military leadership to discuss matters of mutual interest and to further elevate bilateral defence relations.
General Syed Asim Munir’s visit to the UK marks a significant step in Pakistan-UK military relations and underscores the enduring partnership between the two nations. The visit highlights the potential for deeper collaboration in military training, AI, and military innovation, as well as trade and investment opportunities. As the two countries continue to navigate the complexities of the global security environment, their partnership remains crucial for promoting regional stability and global peace. Pakistan and the UK share a long-standing relationship rooted in strong diplomatic, economic, and security ties. The two countries have a shared history, with many Pakistani officers trained at British institutions like Sandhurst, which is known for its world-leading officer training. This visit reinforces the importance of this relationship and highlights the potential for deeper collaboration between the two nations. The visit offers numerous benefits for Pakistan, including improved Military Training and access to advanced technologies. Pakistan gains from improved military training and access to advanced technologies, which are crucial for modernization. The British Army’s modernization plan and Deep Recce Strike Brigade were showcased during the visit, providing valuable insights for Pakistan’s military. The visit highlighted the potential for collaboration in AI and military innovation, reducing Pakistan’s reliance on external defence equipment. The British Army demonstrated its advancements in military technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and uncrewed systems. The visit strengthens diplomatic ties between Pakistan and the UK, boosting support in international forums on security issues. General Munir’s meetings with key members of the UK’s civil and military leadership, including Chief of Defence Staff UK Adm Toney Radikon and UK National Security Advisor Jonathan Nicholas Powell, demonstrate the commitment to deeper collaboration. The visit underscores the shared commitment of Pakistan and the UK to regional stability and global peace. The two countries have maintained robust cooperation in counterterrorism and professional training, and this visit reinforces their partnership in addressing shared security challenges. The visit also highlights the potential for trade and investment opportunities between Pakistan and the UK. The UK is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners, and the two countries have a long-standing relationship in trade and commerce. The visit demonstrates the potential for deeper economic cooperation and investment between the two nations. The Pakistan-UK partnership is comprehensive, encompassing not only military and diplomatic ties but also trade, investment, and development cooperation. The UK has played an influential role in supporting Pakistan’s development challenges, including education, health, and climate change. The two countries have a shared commitment to addressing these challenges and promoting sustainable development. Thus, the visitation of General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Army Staff of Pakistan, unto the United Kingdom doth stand as a beacon of high import, illuminating the path toward a more fortified and prosperous alliance betwixt these two storied realms. This, his second sojourn, doth proclaim with clarion voice the steadfast endurance of military and diplomatic bonds, rooted deep in the annals of history and nourished by mutual endeavour.
By building on the momentum of Gen. Asim’s global visits, Pakistan can assertively pursue its interests, ensuring economic recovery, military strength, and a prominent role in shaping regional and global stability.
Earlier in the near past, General Munir’s visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE resulted in significant financial pledges, such as Saudi Arabia’s increase of deposits in Pakistan’s central bank from $3 billion to $5 billion and a proposed $10 billion investment, alongside the UAE’s deferral of $2 billion in payments. Pakistan should leverage these relationships to secure further economic stabilization packages, including low-cost energy supplies and investment in infrastructure, to address its ongoing economic challenges. These nations’ trust in Pakistan’s military leadership under Munir signals an opportunity to push for long-term economic partnerships. During his visits to the UK and the US, Munir engaged with top military officials, discussing modernization efforts, counterterrorism, and advanced technologies like AI and uncrewed systems. Pakistan should advocate for increased joint military exercises, technology transfers, and training programs with these nations. This would bolster Pakistan’s defence capabilities while positioning it as a key player in regional security, particularly in countering threats along its borders with Afghanistan and India. Munir’s meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York emphasized Pakistan’s contributions to global peace and stability through its armed forces and law enforcement. Pakistan should forcefully push for greater recognition and funding from the UN for its peacekeeping missions, while also seeking a louder voice in international forums to address conflicts like Gaza and Kashmir, aligning with Munir’s calls for a two-state solution and peaceful resolution per UN resolutions. During his US visit, Munir encouraged the Pakistani diaspora to invest via the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which is already showing success. Pakistan should aggressively promote this initiative globally, using Munir’s credibility to assure investors of security and stability, thereby channelling diaspora wealth into critical sectors like agriculture, IT, and energy to reduce reliance on foreign loans. Munir’s reported meeting with President Xi Jinping during a high-level delegation visit to China underscores the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan should press for accelerated CPEC project implementation, addressing Beijing’s security concerns by enhancing protection for Chinese nationals and projects. This would unlock further Chinese investment and reinforce Pakistan’s geoeconomic pivot, a vision of Gen. Munir. Munir’s interactions in the US and UK reflect his strategy to avoid binary alignments between superpowers like the US and China. Pakistan should forcefully pursue this multi-alignment approach, seeking trade and defence deals with Western nations without compromising its ties with China. This balanced stance could position Pakistan as a neutral hub for trade and diplomacy in a polarized world, enhancing its strategic leverage. At the UK’s Regional Stabilisation Conference, Munir spoke on “The Emerging World Order and Pakistan’s Future Outlook,” highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability. Pakistan should demand a leading role in South Asian security dialogues, using Munir’s platform to mediate tensions with neighbours and secure international support for countering cross-border militancy, particularly from Afghanistan. This congress doth herald a strengthening of diplomatic sinews, lending unto Pakistan a louder trumpet in the councils of the world, whilst fostering stability not only in South Asia but, perchance, casting beneficent shadows unto South East Asia’s distant shores. The intercourse betwixt the two nations, enriched by shared toils in counterterrorism and the training of Pakistan’s gallant officers at Sandhurst’s storied halls, doth reaffirm their sacred oath to uphold peace and order amidst a tempestuous globe. Nor should we omit the golden promise of trade and investment, for the United Kingdom, a stalwart partner in commerce, doth proffer unto Pakistan avenues of economic flourishing, cementing a partnership that transcended mere martial concord to embrace the weal of the Pakistani people—their education, health, and stewardship of the earth. Let it be proclaimed, then, that this visitation be not merely a fleeting embassy, but a clarion call to deepen these ties: let the armies of both lands march in unison toward innovation and valour; let the merchants weave anew the threads of commerce; let the statesmen fortify this bridge of amity. Wherefore, I commend unto the wise councils of both nations to seize this moment, to foster with ardent zeal the bonds of friendship, that Pakistan and the United Kingdom might stand as exemplars of concord, prosperity, and peace for all the world to behold. These recommendations capitalize on General Munir’s demonstrated ability to strengthen bilateral ties, secure economic aid, and elevate Pakistan’s global standing. By building on the momentum of Gen. Asim’s global visits, Pakistan can assertively pursue its interests, ensuring economic recovery, military strength, and a prominent role in shaping regional and global stability.