Washington D.C. | June 16, 2025
A viral video circulating online shows Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, being heckled by protesters as he arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington D.C. The protesters called him a “mass murderer” and a “dictator”, using expletives and raising slogans for civilian supremacy in Pakistan.
Protest Erupts During Munir’s U.S. Visit
The incident occurred shortly after Munir’s motorcade reached the hotel. In the video, a protester is seen holding a screen with the message “Mass Murderer” while loudly accusing the general of crimes against civilians and suppressing democracy in Pakistan.
“We are here to welcome Asim Munir. This is Washington’s Four Seasons Hotel. This is telling him what he has done to Pakistan,” said the protester, filming the scene.
He further shouted:
- “Shame on you!”
- “Free Pakistan!”
- “Civilian supremacy now!”
- “Geedar, Geedar!” (Urdu for ‘jackal’—a term used to describe cowards)
When confronted by a security officer, the protester asserted, “I am on public property. I have freedom of speech.”
Context: Munir’s Controversial Rise and Regional Tensions
The heckling comes amid a sharp spike in criticism of Munir both within and outside Pakistan. Asim Munir, recently promoted to Field Marshal, is considered the most powerful figure in Pakistan, especially after his crackdown on political dissidents, media, and pro-democracy activists.
He has also drawn criticism for Pakistan’s escalating hostilities with India, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. In retaliation, India carried out precision strikes on terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Pakistan’s attempted counterattacks were swiftly neutralized, with Indian forces inflicting heavy losses and disabling strategic Pakistani air bases.
Water Dispute Sparks Another Flashpoint
In the aftermath, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, hitting Pakistan where it hurts most — water security. Munir responded with a veiled threat, declaring:
“Water is Pakistan’s red line, and we will not allow any compromise on this basic right of 240 million Pakistanis.”
He accused India of attempting to assert regional hegemony, a claim firmly denied by New Delhi.
Public Backlash Reflects Deepening Discontent
The protest in Washington reflects growing dissatisfaction among the Pakistani diaspora and international human rights activists with the army’s hold on power in Pakistan. Reports of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of political opposition have intensified under Munir’s command.
Journalists and analysts point to the military’s growing role in Pakistan’s domestic politics, where elected governments are often undermined or overthrown with impunity. The current protests align with calls for restoring democracy and civilian supremacy.
Video’s Authenticity Unconfirmed
As of now, the video remains unverified by mainstream media, but it has gone viral on social platforms, sparking both criticism and support.
Despite the noise surrounding the incident, the Pakistani military has remained silent, and no official reaction has been issued from Islamabad or its U.S. mission.
Conclusion
Asim Munir’s U.S. visit — presumably aimed at reinforcing strategic ties and addressing the water dispute — has instead triggered global embarrassment and renewed scrutiny of Pakistan’s internal governance. While the general remains a dominant force in Rawalpindi, voices demanding accountability are growing louder — not just within Pakistan, but on international streets as well.
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