‘100% the same': Pakistan's backing for Iran remains firm after Trump-Munir meeting

• No policy shift on Iran despite US engagement.
• FO condemns Israeli actions, urges world response.
• PTI angered by Trump-Munir meeting optics.
  

ISLAMABAD: Despite intense speculation following a high-profile luncheon meeting between Field Marshal Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, Pakistan’s position in support of Iran amid its ongoing conflict with Israel remains “100% the same”, a well-placed source told this correspondent.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the source — who is privy to what was discussed in the White House meeting — emphasised Pakistan’s consistent stance. 

“We are the only ones who are trying to do something for them [Iran],” he asserted, in response to two questions posed by this correspondent: whether Pakistan’s stance on the Iran-Israel conflict has changed after the Trump meeting with Field Marshal Munir, and whether Pakistan will continue its support for Iran like before. His response was emphatic: “100% the same.” 

The Trump-Munir meeting, which concluded with generous praise from the US president for the Pakistani field marshal, sparked a wave of disappointment among certain quarters in Pakistan, particularly among Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters. 

The development has not only rattled New Delhi, but also infuriated PTI’s online base, many of whom took to social media to attack both Trump and the Pakistani military leadership. 

A PTI leader, who has been close to the party founder and is currently absconding, was among those leading the charge to float conspiracy theories suggesting that Pakistan’s policy on the Iran-Israel front may be shifting under US pressure. However, such speculations were laid to rest on Thursday when Pakistan’s Foreign Office unequivocally reiterated the country’s longstanding position.

According to a report by APP, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan condemned what he described as “unjustified and illegitimate aggression” by Israel against Iran. He urged the international community and the United Nations to act decisively to stop Israeli military actions and hold it accountable for its violations of international law.

Khan further affirmed that Pakistan “stood in resolute solidarity with the people of Iran” and strongly denounced Israel’s “blatant provocations”, warning that these actions pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the region and beyond.

The reaffirmation from the Foreign Office serves as a direct rebuttal to those casting doubts over Pakistan’s foreign policy direction. Despite the geopolitical tremors generated by the Trump-Munir meeting, Islamabad appears steadfast in its regional commitments, particularly its support for Iran in the face of Israeli attack.

Originally published in The News