Islamabad: In a dramatic shift within Pakistan’s power corridors, General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, has been appointed the country’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), consolidating unprecedented authority.
This move, approved by President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday, grants Munir sweeping powers over Pakistan’s tri-services — Army, Navy, and Air Force — alongside control of the nuclear arsenal and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
The decision has sparked intense debate, with analysts viewing it as a significant blow to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Munir’s elevation follows a turbulent year for Sharif, whose coalition government has grappled with economic woes and political unrest.
The military views the creation of the CDF post, a long-debated reform, as a strategic manoeuvre to assert dominance amid strained civil-military relations.
Under pressure, Sharif acquiesced to the appointment, further eroding his authority after failing to secure key allies in recent political battles, according to sources.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from Opposition leaders, including Imran Khan’s PTI, who allege it undermines democratic institutions.
Pakistan’s military has historically wielded significant influence, but Munir’s new role marks a formal expansion of its grip, raising concerns about checks and balances. With five major powers now under his command, Munir’s tenure could reshape Pakistan’s domestic and foreign policy, particularly its tense relations with India and Afghanistan. As the nation watches, the question looms: will this consolidation stabilise Pakistan or deepen its political fault lines?