If someone turns the pages of Pakistan’s political–defence history, a certain pattern becomes clear: after every war with India, a dictator emerges in Pakistan.
Zia, Musharraf..now Munir?
After the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq took command of the nation. Similarly, after the Kargil war, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup and eventually took charge of Pakistan. Now, Field Marshal Asim Munir appears to be following in the footsteps of Zia-ul-Haq and Musharraf.
Munir’s elevation to the rank of Field Marshal and the amendment in the Constitution to make him the CDF hint at his dictatorial intent.
Military rulers have governed Pakistan for 33 out of the 78 years since its Independence. In 1958, General Ayub Khan led a military coup. He later faced a war with India in 1965, but since he was already the military ruler, he maintained his position.
However, the 1971 war with India became a turning point for Pakistan. President Yahya Khan suffered a huge defeat, and Bangladesh was born after the battle. It was a major embarrassment for Yahya Khan, and reports at the time suggested that a group of military officers might overthrow him in a coup.
1977 protests turn deadly
Pakistan lost the war on December 16, 1971. Yahya Khan handed over charge of the nation to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Bhutto continued in politics until 1977. But a political crisis erupted after Bhutto’s party registered a massive win, which the opposition PNA claimed was rigged. Massive protests erupted on the streets, and several people lost their lives during clashes and police firing.
Some groups even declared Bhutto a “kafir.” The opposition alliance, Pakistan National Alliance (PNA), used this term for Bhutto.
Kargil aftermath: Musharraf’s coup
In 1999, Pakistan’s Army captured the peaks of Kargil, but the Indian military successfully launched an operation and forced Pakistani soldiers to withdraw. A few months later, General Pervez Musharraf led a coup and dislodged Nawaz Sharif from power. Musharraf ruled the nation until 2008. He died in 2023.
Munir’s elevation in Pak Army
Asim Munir became Pakistan Army Chief in 2022. After the Pahalgam attack in April this year, India launched Operation Sindoor, and Pakistan was badly defeated by India. But Munir lied to Pakistanis and portrayed the defeat as a “victory.”
The Pakistani government elevated his rank and made him a Field Marshal as a reward. In December 2025, Munir became the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). These promotions signify that he can take full control of Pakistan, as he has the backing of an army that supports him.
