General Syed Asim Munir, the Pakistani Army Chief, faced public rebuke during his visit to Washington, D.C. A group of Pakistani protesters and individuals of Pakistani origin gathered outside his hotel, voicing their discontent with chants and slogans directed at him. The protesters shouted slogans such as “Pakistaniyon ke qatil,” “You are a coward,” and “Shame on you” as Munir exited the hotel. Attempts were made by the protesters to enter the hotel premises, but they were stopped by authorities, leading to arguments. The demonstration was reportedly organized by supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who had announced their plans to protest Munir’s visit beforehand. A video shared on social media by PTI showed the protest, with the caption emphasizing the protesters’ aim to remind General Munir of alleged crimes against the Pakistani people. Visuals from the protest included a screen displaying a photo of Asim Munir along with messages that read, “Mass Murderer Asim Munir,” “Democracy dies when guns speak,” and “Asim Munir, your time is up. Pakistan will rise.” Earlier in May, the Pakistani federal cabinet had approved the promotion of General Asim Munir to Field Marshal, despite criticisms of military and strategic decisions, citing his leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and the confrontation with India. Munir became only the second army officer to receive the Field Marshal rank in Pakistan’s history. Ayub Khan, who was Pakistan’s president from 1958 to 1969, was the first to hold this rank, which he self-appointed following a coup and his assumption of the presidency in 1958.
