Why Pakistan army chief Asim Munir's 'luxurious' Sri Lankan trip is set to raise eyebrows

Pakistan army chief Asim Munir (File)

As bailout-dependent Pakistan stumbles through an enduring economic crisis, the country's army chief Asim Munir is preparing for a luxurious foreign visit to Sri Lanka. The visit follows close on the heels of Munir's trip to US, where he met President Donald Trump.

From July 20 to 23, Munir will travel to Sri Lanka on what has been described by sources as an opulent itinerary, complete with special aircraft, bike escorts, helicopter rides, high-end accommodations and guided city tours, CNN-News18 reported quoted sources.

The visit, officially for meetings, features amenities that stand in sharp contrast with the sweeping austerity measures imposed on Pakistan’s civilian leadership and public sector employees.

Sources said that Munir will begin his Sri Lanka visit with a special aircraft and receive ceremonial bike escorts upon arrival.

On July 21, he will take a scenic helicopter flight from the Shangri-La Helipad to the famed Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, soaring over Sri Lanka’s iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress—a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the CNN-News18 report said.

His agenda also includes a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy and a walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya. The day will conclude with yet another helicopter ride, this time offering an aerial view of Adam’s Peak, a sacred mountain revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike.

Sources further revealed that Munir is booked into one of Colombo’s most luxurious hotels—a privilege that has explicitly been denied to cabinet ministers and other senior government officials under Pakistan’s new austerity regime amid economic downturn.

Though Munir is also scheduled to meet Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Defence Secretary, and President during his stay, the extravagant nature of the trip overshadows its diplomatic value, the report said.

The optics of the trip are not expected to go down well with the people of Pakistan, especially the PTI supporters who have been protesting against Munir for his crackdown on democracy and rising stature.

Recently, Munir was reported to have gone shopping at a US mall before a high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump, drawing backlash on social media.

Meanwhile, growing friction between civilian and military leadership has also fueled speculations of coup, as Munir continues to lead high-profile foreign visits while the president and prime minister are sidelined.

The visit comes at a time when Pakistan’s economy remains under severe strain despite signs of fragile stabilisation.

The Economic Survey 2024-25 revealed that public debt has surged to PKR 76 trillion—nearly double since 2020-21—with annual interest payments now consuming over 50% of federal revenues, leaving little room for development spending.

External debt and liabilities have crossed $130 billion, roughly 50% of GDP, driven by IMF loans and long-term borrowings under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.