Pakistan's Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir was met with huge criticism during his five-day official US visit, with enraged Pakistani expats, mostly supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, protesting outside the Pakistan Embassy and near his stay in Washington. The demonstrations escalated after social media went viral with demonstrations against Munir shouting slogans such as "Shame on you, mass murderer!" and "Shame on you, dictator!" near Munir's hotel. A protester carried a giant banner featuring the words "Mass Murderer Asim Munir," while others got into a verbal confrontation with US security personnel, exercising their right to freedom of speech.

The protests, led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists within the US, formed part of a broader campaign aimed at condemning General Munir's visit. Demonstrators traveled from across several US states to meet in the nation's capital on June 14, after they received a call to action by PTI Secretary for Overseas Affairs Sajjad Burki. “Where is Pakistan Embassy hiding Asim Munir?” yelled one activist, accusing the Pakistani military leadership of human rights abuses and unconstitutional crackdowns in Pakistan. PTI digital campaign vans were also spotted near Capitol Hill, displaying videos and posters labeling the army chief as the “Butcher of Islamabad.”

Where Is Asim Munir Now?

As per The Dawn, General Munir reached Washington on Sunday on a five-day visit to strengthen strategic and defense ties between Islamabad and Washington. But he skipped the military parade and remained low-key during his interactions, possibly because of the harsh questioning and demonstrations. There had been speculation that General Munir was in Washington for the publicised Trump-hosted military parade commemorating the 250th anniversary of America's Armed Forces. The White House denied such reports. "This is false. No foreign military leaders were invited," a White House spokesperson informed ANI, ending speculation of Munir's attendance.

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Even with this denial, pro-Munir billboards suddenly appeared in New York City's Times Square at the same time, stoking more intrigue and provoking criticism from PTI activists who alleged that the Pakistan Army was conducting a PR campaign in the West.

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The trip comes at a time of increasing political tension in Pakistan, with Imran Khan supporters claiming military intervention in elections, muzzling dissent, and censorship of the media. To date, neither the Pentagon nor Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has made comprehensive statements on the meetings on the visit.