Pakistan's Munir posing nuclear threats, a concern that can't be disregarded by both India and the West, according to Kamal Davar.
In the heart of South Asia, Pakistan finds itself at a critical juncture in its political and security landscape, with the rise of Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, to a position of considerable power. This development has sparked concerns about the militarization of the country and the military's expanding footprint in civilian affairs.
Field Marshal Munir, promoted to the rare rank of Field Marshal in May 2025, has been a central figure in Pakistan's political scene since his appointment. His influence extends beyond traditional military roles, and his impact is widely seen as highly consequential.
The promotion of Munir to Field Marshal is an honorary five-star rank typically reserved for recognizing exceptional wartime leadership, awarded for his role in operations against India, notably Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. However, observers highlight the military’s outsized influence under Munir, suggesting that parliament, the presidency, judiciary, and media operate within constraints set by the military’s General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
Speculation about Munir’s potential presidential ambitions or a transition toward overt political power grabs exists but is publicly dismissed by government and military officials as unfounded rumors. His term as army chief was extended in 2023 from the usual three years to five years, further consolidating his institutional control.
The current political dynamic in Pakistan shows increased militarization, and concerns about civilian oversight are growing. This development echoes historical patterns where military leaders' expanded authority in Pakistan has led to erosion of civilian control and increased risks of authoritarianism. Field Marshal Munir's case is being closely watched, given Pakistan’s history of military dominance in politics, especially by Field Marshals like Ayub Khan who transgressed constitutional limits.
India, after the Operation Sindoor conflict, is wary of Field Marshal Asim Munir's leadership in Pakistan and the potential for retaliation. India's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) measures need to be of the highest order to counter any potential threats from Pakistan. The major damage to Pakistan's 11 airbases and command and control centres during the conflict necessitates India to be vigilant and take appropriate counter-measures.
Asim Munir's visit to the US, including his lunch with President Donald Trump at the White House, is unprecedented in the history of US-Pakistan relations for a serving Army chief. Protests against his visit occurred among members of the Pakistani diaspora and supporters of other Pakistani political parties in the US, accusing him of human rights violations and undermining democracy.
In a speech in Tampa, Florida, Asim Munir made irresponsible and provocative statements, brandishing the nuclear card and threatening to destroy India's dams with missiles. Such statements have heightened tensions between the two nations and raised concerns about the potential for escalation in the region.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for both India and Pakistan to prioritize diplomacy, dialogue, and mutual understanding to ensure peace and stability in the region. The world watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that upholds the principles of democracy and respect for human rights.
The militarization in Pakistan under Field Marshal Asim Munir's rule, as demonstrated by his extended term as army chief and potential political power grabs, raises concerns about the erosion of civilian control and the risk of authoritarianism, reminiscent of historical patterns in Pakistan's political landscape. Moreover, the rising political influence of the military, exemplified by the military's General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, has sparked discussions about the increasing involvement in civilian affairs, especially concerning the parliament, presidency, judiciary, and media.
Furthermore, field Marshal Asim Munir's visit to the US and his controversial speech in Tampa, Florida, containing irresponsible and inflammatory statements, have heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, forging the need for diplomacy, dialogue, and mutual understanding to maintain peace and stability in South Asia, while also upholding the principles of democracy and respect for human rights.
