The shadow diplomat shaping US-Pakistan power corridors quietly

Pakistani-American businessman Adnan Asad blends diplomacy, business, and shadowy influence networks.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

On the evening of Saturday, 9 August, the Grand Hyatt Tampa in the U.S. hosted a black-tie dinner under tight security. Entry was permitted only after meticulous physical screening, during which the cell phones of about 120 prominent Pakistani elites were confiscated.

The event, hosted by Adnan Asad, Pakistan's Honorary Consul General, was organised to honour Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army, who delivered a chilling nuclear warning against India in the nearly two-hour event from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

While global attention centred on Munir's words, the true orchestrator—Asad—has so far remained largely outside the spotlight in this episode. It is understood that Munir's nuclear threat was not an impromptu remark but had been communicated in advance to the organisers, including some of Asad's contacts within the U.S. civil and defence establishments.

A Pakistani-American billionaire, Asad has long been a crucial intermediary for U.S. corporates and State Department officials navigating Pakistan's opaque and often volatile markets. His influence spans from Karachi's corridors of power to Washington's diplomatic circles, intertwined with intelligence operatives, military leaders, and whispers of underworld affiliations.