title:Trump Calls Asim Munir Favourite Field Marshal in Davos
ISLAMABAD: In a notable diplomatic exchange at the World Economic Forum inDavos, Switzerland, US President Donald Trump inquired about his”favourite” Field Marshal while engaging with Pakistan’s Prime MinisterShehbaz Sharif during the signing ceremony of the Board of Peace charter.The moment highlighted Trump’s repeated public admiration for Pakistan’sChief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed AsimMunir, as the event unfolded on January 22, 2026. Trump later waved warmlyto Munir, who was seated prominently in the front row among global leaders,underscoring strengthened US-Pakistan ties amid discussions on globalconflict resolution.
The interaction occurred amid the high-profile launch of Trump’s Board ofPeace initiative, originally conceived to support the Gaza ceasefire andreconstruction but now expanded to address broader international disputes.Pakistan, represented by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, formally endorsedthe charter, joining several other nations in a ceremony chaired by Trump.Sources indicate the Board operates with UN endorsement through a relevantSecurity Council resolution, aiming to demilitarise conflict zones andfacilitate rebuilding efforts while complementing existing multilateralframeworks.
Trump’s reference to his “favourite Field Marshal” echoes earlierstatements made in various forums, including the Sharm el-Sheikh PeaceSummit in Egypt in October 2025, where he first publicly lauded Munir inthe presence of Sharif. At that time, Trump credited Pakistan’s leadershipwith preventing potential escalations, claiming such interventions may havesaved millions of lives. The recurring praise reflects a pattern ofpersonal rapport between the US president and Pakistan’s militaryleadership, amid ongoing geopolitical realignments in South Asia and theMiddle East.
During the Davos ceremony, as world leaders took turns signing the charter,Prime Minister Sharif reportedly pointed out Field Marshal Munir’s presencein the audience to President Trump. In response, Trump acknowledged thegesture with a smile and a wave directed at Munir, who was positioned amongfront-row attendees. This visual exchange drew immediate attention frommedia and observers, symbolising cordial relations at a time when Pakistanhas actively participated in Trump’s peace-building efforts.
The Board of Peace has garnered mixed reactions internationally. Proponentsview it as a pragmatic mechanism to accelerate resolutions in protractedconflicts, with Trump positioning himself as chairman to drive swift actionon Gaza’s demilitarisation and redevelopment. Critics, however, expressconcerns that the initiative could overlap with or challenge the UnitedNations’ traditional role in global diplomacy, potentially fragmentingmultilateral approaches. Despite such reservations, several Muslim-majoritycountries, including Pakistan, have committed to participation, emphasisingthe need for effective reconstruction in Gaza.
Pakistan’s involvement in the Board aligns with its broader diplomaticstrategy at the World Economic Forum. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif andField Marshal Asim Munir engaged in multiple sideline meetings with leaderssuch as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Azerbaijan President IlhamAliyev, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Theseinteractions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, security,and economic development, while reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment toregional stability.
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Analysts note that Trump’s consistent highlighting of Field Marshal Munirunderscores the US administration’s recognition of Pakistan’s militarydiplomacy in navigating complex regional dynamics. Munir’s elevated rank asField Marshal and his active role in international engagements havepositioned him as a key figure in Pakistan’s foreign policy outreach. TheDavos events further amplified this visibility, with both Sharif and Munirdrawing significant attention from global participants through informal yetconstructive exchanges.
The ceremony also featured contributions from figures like Jared Kushnerand US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who outlined the Board’s objectives inmoderated sessions. Trump reiterated his vision for a demilitarised and”beautifully rebuilt” Gaza, extending the mandate to other conflict areas.Pakistan’s endorsement, formalised by Sharif’s signature, signals itssupport for such initiatives while maintaining alignment with UN frameworks.
As the World Economic Forum continues, these developments highlightevolving alliances in a multipolar world. The personal acknowledgementsfrom Trump to Pakistan’s leadership may pave the way for deepercollaboration on peace and security matters, even as debates persistregarding the Board’s long-term implications for global governance.
World Economic Forum, Board of Peace
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