• Source:JND
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Protest against Asim Munir: Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) witnessed a major protest against Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir on the eve of Independence Day. In a video that went viral on social media, residents, especially a child, were seen shouting, “America Ne Kutte Paale, Wardi Wale Wardi Wale”— hinting at the protestors' perception of Pakistan's army chief being controlled by the US, particularly referencing President Donald Trump.
 
The allegations of Munir being working as a “puppet” of the US administration came as the army chief on Sunday completed his second high-profile trip to the US in less than two months, during which he met senior US military and civilian leaders and also interacted with the Pakistani diaspora.
 
 
Trump hosted Munir at the White House, weeks after India and Pakistan were locked in a four-day military conflict. It was a rare incident for the US president to host a lunch for the army chief of a foreign country. There have been precedents of Pakistan army chiefs, including Ayub Khan, Zia ul-Haq, and Pervez Musharraf, receiving such invites. But they were holding the post of president as well.
 

Is Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir working as a ‘puppet’ of Trump?

Why is Asim Munir facing protest in PoJK? 

1. Critics also pointed out that Munir’s first visit coincided with the peak of the Israel-Iran conflict.
 
2. It was widely reported that Trump directed the Pakistan Army Chief to let the US use its military bases in Islamabad.
 
3. Although the claim was not supported by the Pakistan Army's communication wing, it was obvious for analysts to point out the timing of Munir’s visit.
 
4. Besides, the rapid “growth” in the US-Pakistan relations and back-to-back positive comments from the Trump administration also sparked debate.
 
5. Analysts underscored that America wants to use the rare earth minerals that Pakistan claimed to have in abundance— a claim which is yet to be verified publicly.

6. Munir's visit was also seen as part of Trump's agenda to cement his persistent claims that he brokered the ceasefire deal between India and Pakistan.