Archive · 7 Dec 2025
Pakistan Army Chief Gains Sweeping Powers
In Pakistan, the army chief, Asim Munir, has been given a lot of power by the government.
This power includes controlling all the military branches and being protected from being arrested or prosecuted for life.
Some people say this is a good change because it makes the military stronger and more united, especially when there are tensions with neighboring countries.
Others worry that this gives too much power to one person and could lead to problems, like making Pakistan less democratic.
Munir has also met with the US President, Trump, who likes him and has called him his favorite.
There are protests in Pakistan against this change, led by people who used to be in the government.
Unlike Pakistan, other countries in the region like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Maldives have not followed this model of giving so much power to the military.
Pakistan's parliament approved a constitutional amendment giving army chief Asim Munir control over all armed forces and lifetime immunity.
Munir has met with US President Trump twice, earning praise and support from the US.
The change is seen by some as a modernization of the military's command structure, while others view it as a power grab.
Munir's appointment has restored public confidence amid border tensions with India.
Protests led by Imran Khan's party and an insurgency in tribal areas pose challenges to Munir's absolute power.
- Who
- Asim Munir, the newly appointed army chief of Pakistan
- What
- A constitutional amendment giving Munir control over all armed forces and lifetime immunity
- When
- Recently, with Munir's appointments and visits to the US in June and September
- Where
- Pakistan
- Why
- To modernize the military's command structure and streamline decision-making, especially amid border tensions with India
- Asim Munir
- Newly appointed army chief with sweeping powers
- Constitutional Amendment
- Gives Munir control over all armed forces and lifetime immunity
- US Relations
- Munir has met President Trump twice, earning praise
- Public Confidence
- Munir's appointment has restored public confidence amid border tensions
- Protests
- Mass protests led by Imran Khan's party and insurgency in tribal areas
- Regional Comparison
- Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives have rejected Pakistan's dictatorial model
- PM Tenure
- None of Pakistan's PMs has lasted 5 years
Sources
Pakistan: Trump’s ‘favourite field marshal’ takes charge
Munir takes over as Pakistan’s Supreme Commander: ‘Monarchy in Uniform’, Consequences & what’s next
Munir’s innovation in dictatorship & why Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh are doing better than Pakistan
