General Asim Munir Cautions Trump Against Actions That Could Spark Jihadi Resurgence

Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has warned that separatist and jihadist groups operating along the Pakistan-Iran border could exploit any collapse of authority in Iran. This warning came during a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, amid escalating Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities—sparking widespread regional anxiety.

Instability at the Pakistan-Iran Border

Pakistan and Iran share a 900-kilometre (560-mile) border that has long served as a hub for militant activity. Various anti-state groups operate on both sides, and the potential destabilisation of Tehran could embolden these organisations. Pakistani officials have voiced serious concerns over the possibility of a security vacuum forming if Iran’s government loses control.

Additionally, Islamabad is troubled by the precedent set by Israel’s strikes on another country’s nuclear infrastructure—particularly in light of its own recent military standoff with India in May. Any shift in Iran’s internal security could have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan.

High-Level Talks in Washington

During a White House lunch, Munir and Trump discussed the worsening Israel-Iran situation. “They’re not happy about anything,” Trump remarked, referring to Pakistan’s alarm over the developments. A statement from the Pakistani Army noted that both sides stressed the urgency of resolving the conflict.

Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s attack, calling it a violation of international law. “This is an extremely serious matter for us,” said Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “It jeopardises regional stability and affects us directly.”

Militant Threats Intensify

Among the groups eyeing the turmoil is Jaish al-Adl (JaA), an Iranian jihadist faction rooted in the Sunni Baluch community. On June 13, JaA urged both ethnic Baluch and members of the Iranian military to “join the Resistance,” pledging support for the Iranian people.

Meanwhile, Islamabad fears that separatist militants within its own Baluch population—some of whom have ties across the border in Iran—may ramp up their activities. The Pakistani military has cautioned that the broader conflict could inflame regional unrest and deepen existing ethnic and sectarian divisions.

During their conversation, both Munir and Trump acknowledged the seriousness of the threat. “They know Iran better than most,” Trump noted, “and they’re not happy. They understand both Israel and Iran… but maybe they understand Iran a little more—and they agree with me.”