Shahbaz Sharif against Asim Munir: Pakistan is on edge as developments unfold. Reports from the country point to a major political upheaval in the making, one that could once again throw the nation into uncertainty. With Nawaz Sharif’s party securing a majority in the National Assembly, speculation is growing that he is working closely with Shehbaz Sharif to reclaim power. As part of this effort, both are reportedly planning to remove Army Chief Asim Munir.
Reports indicate that Nawaz Sharif has opposed to Munir’s appointment as Chief of Defence Force (CDF). It also suggests that the 28th Constitutional Amendment could be introduced to remove Munir. Additionally, protests have grown against Asim Munir after rumours about former prime minister and PTI leader Imran Khan’s death surfaced. Reports also suggest that Shehbaz is planning to remove Zardari from the presidency.
Asim Munir will not be appointed as Chief of Defence Force?
The order appointing Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) was to be issued by November 29th, but the Shahbaz government has not issued any notification. Meanwhile, former National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) member Tilak Deveshwar claimed that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has deliberately distanced himself from the process.
Asim Munir’s three-year term ended on November 29th, and if a new notification is not issued, Pakistan will technically no longer have an army chief. This situation is further exacerbated by the fact that, under the new arrangement, the Nuclear Command Authority has also been placed under the CDF. Deveshar described this as a “highly unusual and dangerous situation” for Pakistan.
Army chief tenure- What Legal experts say
Legal experts are divided on this issue. Some believe that, according to the 2024 amendment to the Pakistan Army Act, the army chief’s tenure automatically remains for five years, eliminating the need for a new order. Others hold that formal notification is mandatory upon the creation of a new position, like the CDF.
How Shehbaz Sharif is holding back from signing the order of Asim Munir
According to Deveshar, Shahbaz Sharif first flew to Bahrain and then to London so that he would not have to sign the order for Asim Munir’s extension or the appointment of the CDF. He said, “The PM has left Pakistan very carefully. He knows the political and institutional consequences of signing the order.”
Asim Munir’s three-year term ends on November 29, and if a new notification is not issued, Pakistan will technically no longer have an army chief. This situation is even more serious because, under the new arrangement, the nuclear command authority has also been placed under the CDF. Deveshar described this as a “highly unusual and dangerous situation” for Pakistan.
Is Nawaz Sharif working behind the scenes?
While Munir is eyeing the most powerful position in the country, various news reports suggest that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and his brother Nawaz Sharif are trying to prevent him from becoming the most powerful leader in the country. Both are reportedly plotting to remove Asim Munir.
Following the recent by-elections in Pakistan, the ruling PML-N (Shahbaz Sharif’s party) has gained strength. This has led Shahbaz Sharif to prevent Asim Munir from gaining too much power, which can be more dangerous to the Sharif brothers. In particular, his elder brother, Nawaz Sharif, one of Pakistan’s most seasoned politicians, is manoeuvring politically. Any new move by the Shahbaz Sharif government in this direction could trigger political turmoil or a coup in Pakistan.
Several media reports claim that Nawaz Sharif has opposed the appointment of Asim Munir as Chief of Defence Force (CDF). He has warned Shahbaz Sharif that if this happens, he will be reduced to a photo-op. This means that his government will be unable to make any major or important decisions on its own. He will remain just a puppet of Munir.
