While Pakistan is drowning in debt and its people suffer under heavy inflation, Army Chief Asim Munir is getting ready for two luxury foreign trips — one to Indonesia and another to Sri Lanka.
His travels come at a tough time. Pakistan’s economy is in bad shape. Prices are rising, jobs are shrinking, and basic public services are being cut. Even top government ministers are following strict cost-saving rules. But Munir’s travel plans seem to follow a different rulebook.
Helicopter Rides and Five-Star Hotels
Munir will start his trip with a grand visit to Sri Lanka from July 20 to 23. Reports say he will fly in a private aircraft, get ceremonial bike escorts, and take helicopter rides across the country.
He will stay at one of Colombo’s most luxurious five-star hotels — the kind of place even Pakistani cabinet ministers are not allowed to stay in due to austerity.
He’s also set to fly over top tourist spots like Sigiriya Rock and Adam’s Peak, visit temples, elephant sanctuaries, and beautiful gardens in Kandy — all while traveling in a helicopter.
This doesn’t sound like a tight diplomatic schedule. It sounds more like a royal holiday.
Then Comes Indonesia
After Sri Lanka, Munir will head to Indonesia. The goal? To rebuild ties with the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. But that’s easier said than done.
Indonesia recently blocked Pakistan’s move against India at the OIC Parliamentary Union. It also seems to be growing closer to India on matters like terrorism and territorial security.
Still, Munir will try to talk with lawmakers and reset the relationship. But again, the timing feels wrong. Pakistan is in a crisis. Lavish travel isn’t the answer.
The Big Picture: Crisis at Home
Early May, Pakistan got a $1 billion IMF bailout. The country now has over $130 billion in foreign debt, with over half of government earnings going to pay interest.
Despite this, lawmakers approved a 500% pay hike for themselves, while average Pakistanis face a cash crunch daily.
Now, Munir’s expensive trips are adding more anger to the mix. Many see this as a sign of elite privilege and military overreach.
What makes it worse is the silence from Pakistan’s civilian leaders. While the president and prime minister stay out of the spotlight, Munir keeps taking the lead on foreign policy.
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