Pakistan currently finds itself in an extremely precarious situation. Economic crisis and unrest are visible across the country, wherever one looks. Even as ordinary people struggle without enough food to eat, discussions are gaining momentum over the Army chief allegedly attempting to alter the country’s constitution in order to safeguard his own position and power.
Once again, the dominance of uniformed officials in Pakistan appears to be growing. Even as the country teeters on the brink of bankruptcy and faces uprisings against the military ranging from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to Balochistan, Army Chief Asim Munir appears preoccupied primarily with his own position. Much like Pervez Musharraf before him, Munir too is reportedly looking to amend the constitution in order to further consolidate his power.
The military establishment is understood to be considering replacing the current parliamentary system with a presidential form of governance. Such a shift would grant the military equal say in government decision-making. Alongside this, moves are reportedly underway to create new provinces, introduce fresh administrative changes, and implement a ten-year economic plan.
Blame for the country reaching this state is now being pinned on the very political families the military itself had propped up in the past. Corruption allegations are being levelled against the Sharif and Bhutto-Zardari families, with moves apparently underway to consolidate real power entirely in the hands of Army Chief Asim Munir.
Meanwhile, with internal unrest rising and foreign debt mounting sharply, Pakistan’s standing on international platforms continues to suffer. The political changes unfolding at such a critical juncture are casting even greater uncertainty over the country’s future. Experts believe that any major changes to the constitution could completely alter the political landscape of Pakistan.