In Pakistan, the conflict between General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi and the government in Islamabad has intensified. The reason is the dispute over the extension of the service of Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The government states that Asim Munir’s term has already been extended until 2027, so no new order is needed. However, Field Marshal Munir now wants a new five-year extension from 2025 to 2030. Munir first made himself a Field Marshal and now wants to rule for a longer period.
According to intelligence sources, this dispute is not just about the extension of service, but about control over power. Munir wants his new term to begin now and last until 2030, so that he can maintain influence over Pakistan’s next two governments. Sources indicate that the ruling party, the PML-N, is ambivalent about this proposal. They believe that if Munir is granted a five-year term now, he will dominate the entire political system.
Munir lured Shahbaz
According to sources, Munir has promised to bring the PML-N back to power. This is a promise the party cannot trust. Therefore, the party has proposed a new formula: “Extend his term by two years now, then consider a five-year extension after 2027.” The party’s strategy is to hold the next general elections before 2027. If they regain power, they can then grant Munir a new term.
No Opposition to Munir in the Army
According to reports, Field Marshal Munir is receiving support from some foreign countries, especially Qatar. Qatar is reportedly trying to broker a reconciliation between the Shahbaz Sharif government and Munir. However, there appears to be little opposition to Asim Munir within the army. He has appointed officers close to him to key positions. DG ISI General Asim Malik has been granted an indefinite extension. General Amir Ahsan Nawaz, a former Rawalpindi Corps Commander, is now the Military Secretary at GHQ. DG-C ISI General Faisal Naseer was due to be transferred but remains in his position. DGMO Major General Kashif Abdullah, known as Munir’s “blue-eyed boy,” recently accompanied him on the China-US-Saudi defense deals. Lt. General Amir Raza, who was appointed in February, is considered close to Munir.
ISI’s role and pressure on the government
Intelligence sources claim that the ISI is now actively pressuring the government. It played a role in bringing the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to the streets to highlight the failures of the Shahbaz government. The ISI also filed a petition through a civilian alleging corruption against Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, which was accepted by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Munir’s Strategy Fails
Pakistan is facing a serious crisis that has reached the brink of collapse. The strategy of Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir, is being cited as the primary reason behind the country’s worsening situation. Munir planned to obtain US dollars by portraying Pakistan as a terrorist-affected country and secure a trade deal with Trump in exchange for Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan. However, this ploy has backfired on him. A large number of Pakistani soldiers have been killed in the ongoing conflict with the Taliban. Furthermore, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has released videos of the open auction of Pakistani army uniforms, severely damaging the army’s reputation
