Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir has been described by the Financial Times as one of the most effective strategic leaders in a rapidly changing global system, highlighting Pakistan’s growing diplomatic relevance amid shifting international power dynamics.
According to the Financial Times, changing global politics have opened a new but difficult era for middle powers, making diplomacy far more complex than in the past.
The publication noted that adapting to this evolving environment has proven particularly challenging for many countries positioned between major global powers.
Asim Munir praised as successful multi-aligner
The British newspaper described Field Marshal Asim Munir as an expert in multilateral foreign policy and among the most successful “multi-aligners” of the middle powers.
It said Pakistan’s leadership has effectively balanced relations with multiple global and regional powers, creating diplomatic space in an increasingly polarized world.
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The Financial Times credited Field Marshal Asim Munir with achieving the best coordination with US president Donald Trump, citing his timely pleasantries and soft diplomatic approach.
The paper noted that understanding Trump’s informal style and responding with measured diplomacy proved effective for Pakistan.
Active diplomacy across global power centres
Pakistan’s leadership, under Field Marshal Asim Munir, remained actively engaged in simultaneous diplomatic contacts with United States, China, Saudi Arabia and Iran, the report said.
This multi-directional engagement was described as a clear example of successful middle-power diplomacy in a changing global environment.
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The Financial Times said Pakistan’s diplomatic success has disappointed India, where the “middle power game” proved more difficult than expected.
According to the report, India failed to adapt to rapidly changing global conditions and Trump’s diplomatic style, resulting in difficulties in its middle-power strategy.
Asif welcomes international recognition
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told a private TV channel that international publications, including the Financial Times, are praising Pakistan’s foreign policy. He said Field Marshal Asim Munir played a key role in stabilizing the region and described his contribution as unparalleled in the country’s history.
He said the field marshal also led Pakistan’s victory in the war against India and played a central role in advancing defence diplomacy. He revealed that the field marshal has signed multiple agreements with regional countries and that deals worth $7–8 billion will be announced soon.
Defence agreement with Saudi Arabia
The defence minister described the defence agreement with Saudi Arabia as Pakistan’s biggest diplomatic success. He said the credit for the agreement goes to both Field Marshal Asim Munir and the prime minister, adding that more export agreements are being finalised with neighbouring countries.
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Asif said national confidence had fallen sharply under the previous government, claiming relations with friendly countries, including the US, were damaged.
He said Field Marshal Asim Munir played a decisive role in restoring confidence, adding that economic reforms are now visible across the country.
