Speculation is mounting in Pakistan over the weakening authority of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, amid growing concerns that Army Chief General Asim Munir is consolidating unprecedented powers. While the prime minister traditionally holds the highest executive authority, Pakistan’s army has historically wielded significant influence over government affairs. Analysts suggest that General Munir currently exercises greater control than the civilian leadership, raising questions about the balance of power in the country.
The Sharif administration recently instituted a major restructuring of Pakistan’s defense hierarchy by creating the post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and appointing Field Marshal Asim Munir as its first holder. This unprecedented move allows Munir to serve simultaneously as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and CDF, with the approval of President Arif Ali Zardari for a five-year term. The CDF position grants authority over all three armed services—army, navy, and air force—as well as the National Strategic Command, which controls the country’s nuclear weapons and missile systems. The appointment effectively positions Munir as the most powerful military officer in Pakistan, surpassing even the prime minister in influence, while granting him immunity from legal proceedings during his tenure.
General Munir has increasingly played a central role in Pakistan’s key strategic and policy decisions, including overseeing international engagements and military operations such as those following the Pahalgam attack involving India. With these expanded powers, observers are questioning whether Pakistan is once again tilting toward military dominance in governance. Historically, the army has maintained strong influence over civilian governments since independence in 1947, most notably when General Pervez Musharraf seized direct control in 1999. Analysts are now debating whether Munir could follow a similar trajectory, further entrenching the military’s decisive role in Pakistan’s political and economic landscape.