The eyes of the whole world are focused on Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, where historic peace talks are starting between America and Iran after a two-week ceasefire. But amidst this high-profile diplomacy, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir’s two different attire (dress diplomacy) in the same day caught everyone’s attention. More than the welcome of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, this move of Munir has remained the center of discussion.
While welcoming the Iranian delegation, Munir was seen in combat uniform, which was a symbol of his military strength. But a few hours later, when US Vice President JD Vance’s plane landed, Munir was seen in a black suit. Just like a politician. Experts believe that this was a deliberate strategy, which presents a dual image of Pakistan.
Iran has a military attitude, America has a diplomatic attitude.
According to defense analysts, Munir’s choice of combat uniform to meet the 70-member Iranian delegation was a message that Pakistan is alert on its borders. Remember, it is difficult to forget the tension of missile attacks between the two countries in 2024. This gave a clear signal to Iran that Pakistan is ready to give a befitting reply to any aggression.
Whereas, by wearing a suit in the meeting with JD Vance, Munir presented himself as a mature leader. Earlier also he had met former US President Donald Trump in the same manner. This was a way of strengthening diplomatic relations with America, where he was playing the role of a diplomat rather than a military commander. Walking the red carpet with a smiling Vance was an open display of military dominance in Pakistan.
America knows the military-civil power dynamics of Pakistan, so Vance also had a warm meeting with the Foreign Minister. Overall, under the shadow of US-Iran talks, Munir proved through his clothes that the real power of Islamabad is in his hands.