June 19, 2025
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met Saima Saleem, part of Pakistan's representative mission to the United Nations during his visit to the United States, Inter-Services Public Relations said on Thursday.
The COAS held a warm and inspiring meeting with Saleem, who despite being visually impaired, has made a remarkable mark in international diplomacy through her resolve and dedication.
He lauded her exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and outstanding contributions to promoting Pakistan's interests at the UN.
The COAS expressed admiration for the diplomat's resilience and determination, which serve as a shining example for the nation, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
He reaffirmed the Pakistan Army's commitment to supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities, enabling them to contribute to national development.
Saleem briefed the COAS on her work at the UN, highlighting key issues and challenges facing Pakistan.
The COAS appreciated her efforts in promoting Pakistan's stance on regional and global issues including the threat of state-sponsored terrorism by India, which is root cause of destabilisation in the region.
The meeting is a testament to the recognition of the unmatched potential of Pakistanis' exceptional talent and dedication, regardless of physical ability, the military's media wing said. The diplomat also shared her literary work with the army chief.
Field Marshal Munir is currently on a visit to the US and a day ago, he was invited by US President Donald Trump for a rare one-on-one meeting at the White House where they held discussions on avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation in multiple domains.
During the visit, he also met overseas Pakistanis in Washington DC.
The army chief lauded the diaspora's contributions to the country's economy and global reputation by contributing actively through remittances, investments and higher achievements in other domains, as per the ISPR.