Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is orchestrating a subtle consolidation of power, maintaining a civilian facade while exerting control over the country’s governance, according to intelligence sources. Opting against a direct coup to avoid international pressure for democratic restoration—unlike General Pervez Musharraf’s experience after ousting Nawaz Sharif—Munir has strategically placed loyalists in key civilian and military roles to dominate Pakistan’s administration without formally dismantling its democratic structure.

Munir’s maneuvers began with the removal and imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, perceived as his primary rival. He then installed Asif Ali Zardari as President and Shehbaz Sharif as Prime Minister, both reportedly acting as figureheads under his influence. Further solidifying his grip, Munir appointed General Asim Malik as ISI chief and National Security Advisor, while transferring his nephew, Captain Syed Abu Rehman Bin Qasim, and nine other army officials to civil services, including a strategic placement in the Prime Minister’s office to monitor Sharif closely.

The Army Chief’s plans extend to positioning allies in the interior ministry, high commissions, and embassies, with indications that his nephew may head an embassy in the U.S. or India to control intelligence operations abroad. These moves ensure Munir’s dominance over both military and civilian spheres while projecting an image of democracy to the international community. An official noted that the symbolic roles of the Prime Minister and President serve to mask Munir’s centralized control.

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Munir’s actions stem from deep-seated insecurities, exacerbated by military setbacks against groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Nationalist Army, as well as reported disobedience among soldiers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His self-promotion to Field Marshal, despite operational failures, and his push to extend his tenure as Army Chief until 2030—against the government’s offer until 2027—have fueled tensions within the military and with the civilian government, particularly over his replacement of senior corps commanders to eliminate seniority disputes.

These developments highlight a precarious power dynamic in Pakistan, with Munir’s efforts to entrench his authority reflecting fears of internal dissent and potential coups. As tensions between the military and government escalate, his strategic appointments signal a calculated bid to dominate Pakistan’s political and administrative landscape, raising concerns about the country’s democratic integrity and long-term stability.

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