The White House dismissed reports that Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, was invited to a military parade in Washington, DC. On Sunday, June 15, a White House official told, “This is false. No foreign military leaders were invited.”

Earlier, some media reports claimed that the Trump administration had invited Munir to attend the parade. The event was part of the 250th-anniversary celebrations of the US Armed Forces.

Backlash from India and Pakistani-Americans

The reports triggered strong reactions in both India and the United States. In the US, members of the Pakistani-American community condemned the alleged invitation. They accused General Munir of attacking democracy in Pakistan and cracking down on the political party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In India, opposition leaders also reacted sharply. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called it a “major diplomatic and strategic setback” for India. He posted on X, “It is reported that Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir has been invited to the event organised in Washington DC on the occasion of US Army Day (14 June). This news is a big setback for India from a diplomatic and strategic point of view.”

Ramesh also recalled Munir’s controversial remarks before the Pahalgam terror attack. He questioned the US government’s intent behind the supposed invitation.

Military parade and Trump’s birthday

The parade took place on Saturday along Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC. Tanks, soldiers, and a 21-gun salute marked the event. It also coincided with Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. He watched the parade from a special stand near the White House.

In his speech, Trump said, “Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too.”

However, not everyone supported the parade. Across the country, civil rights groups and labor unions protested with “No Kings” marches. They accused Trump of using the event to show authoritarian behavior.