Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir to visit Sri Lanka from July 20-24. He will stay in five-star hotels and tour via helicopter. The country, reeling from economic hardship, is angered by this lavish trip.
PAK: Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka this month. Reports suggest that this trip is more of a royal affair than a diplomatic one. There are reports of facilities like a private jet, five-star hotels, and helicopter tours. Meanwhile, Pakistan is going through a severe economic crisis. In such a situation, the general public is questioning the army chief's visit.
Controversy over the Army Chief's Royal Plan
Pakistan is currently facing a deep economic crisis. The country's foreign debt has exceeded $133 billion. Inflation is at its peak, and unemployment is continuously rising. People are struggling even for subsidized rations. Amidst all this, General Asim Munir's foreign visit has become a topic of discussion.
According to reports, the army chief will be in Sri Lanka from July 20 to 24. While this visit is being presented as part of a diplomatic agenda, its grand arrangements have made people think.
Travel by Private Jet, Sri Lanka Tour by Helicopter
According to sources, Munir will travel to Sri Lanka by a special aircraft, i.e., a private jet. There will be bike escorts and VVIP protocol arranged for his welcome there. During the visit, he will tour the major tourist destinations of Sri Lanka by helicopter.
Munir will also visit famous places like Sigiriya Rock and Adam's Peak. All these arrangements have turned this trip into a royal holiday instead of a normal diplomatic visit.
Preparation to Stay in a Five-Star Hotel
It is reported that General Munir will stay in a luxury five-star hotel in Colombo during this time. This is the same Pakistan where the government, considering the economic situation, has stopped even its ministers from foreign visits and has talked about reducing government expenditure. In such a situation, this royal arrangement for the army chief is not being well-received by the public.
Anger in the General Public
The public in Pakistan is angry about this visit. Many people on social media have questioned why the army chief is undertaking such a trip when the country is struggling economically and the basic needs of the common people are not being met.
This is not the first time in recent times that Munir's foreign visits have been embroiled in controversy. Earlier, during his visit to America, there were reports that he had shopped in expensive shopping malls there, on which the public had expressed their displeasure.
Ban on Foreign Visits of Ministers
The Pakistan government recently imposed a ban on foreign visits by cabinet ministers due to the financial crisis. Ministers are now not allowed unnecessary travel and staying in expensive hotels. But these rules do not apply to the army chief. A major reason for this is believed to be the dominance of the army in the power structure of Pakistan, which has always been the case.
