Thread by @OmerAzhar96

1/ Gen Asim Munir’s lunch with U.S. President marks a historic first: an Army Chief at White House without holding political office or rule under martial law. The story of how it was made possible is gripping & unconventional. Orchestrated by small coterie of advisors. ⬇️

2/ The meeting didn’t emerge from Foreign office channels. It was the product of quiet but deliberate maneuvering by a small circle of advisors around COAS Munir—anchored in three domains: counter-terrorism cooperation, crypto diplomacy, and targeted lobbying in Washington.

3/ A key figure in this shift: DG ISI Lt. Gen. Asim Malik. Under his direction, Pakistan significantly deepened counter-terrorism collaboration with the U.S.—most notably by transferring custody of high-value militants, including suspects linked to the Kabul airport bombing.

4/ This cooperation wasn’t just operational. It was reputational. Malik’s moves helped reframe Pakistan within Pentagon and CENTCOM circles—from a security liability to a counter-terrorism partner capable of delivering on hard asks. Also led to praise by U.S General.

5/ That shift in perception mattered. The trust built with U.S. military leadership—outside the slower machinery of Foggy Bottom—created the space for Munir’s direct outreach to the U.S. President. Military-to-military credibility was the bridge diplomacy could not build alone.

6/ Alongside security cooperation, Pakistan began experimenting with what can only be described as “crypto diplomacy.” Through World Liberty Financial Inc. (WLFI)—a firm with financial links to Trump family interests—Pakistan sought alignment on emerging narratives shaping Trump’s policy.

7/ WLFI’s Zachary Witkoff made discreet visits to Pakistan, meeting with senior officials including the COAS. While crypto remains economically contentious, the message was clear: Pakistan is willing to engage on terms that resonate with Trump-aligned capital and influence networks.

8/ Made possible by @Bilalbinsaqib. As Pakistan’s crypto envoy, he became the first Pakistani official to hold direct meetings at the White House with Trump’s digital asset advisor Bo Hines.

9/ This diplomatic backchanneling was reinforced by traditional lobbying. Pakistan retained Team Eagle Consulting—a firm with deep ties to Republican administrations, known for delivering Pakistan’s non-NATO ally status and facilitating F-16 sales in earlier decades.

10/ The broader picture is clear:
Gen Munir’s White House visit is not the result of standard statecraft. It reflects a multi-pronged strategy—
Security cooperation under Gen Asim Malik, Ideological alignment via crypto and WLFI & Political access through DC lobbying networks

11/ While the meeting is being touted as a new development, sources that this was in the works and kept highly secret until White House released Trump’s official schedule. It remains to be seen if Pakistan’s help is sought in Iran-Israel war, which if it is, could mean new era in Pak-U.S. relationship.