The relationship between Asim Munir Imran Khan case the military and politics in Pakistan has always been tense, but things have changed forever in the last few months.
The recent increase in power of Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, the new constitutional amendments, and the βlegal protectionβ he enjoys raise major questions about Pakistanβs democracy, governance and security system. Itβs important to understand this whole scenario, because itβs not just changing the army, but itβs affecting the power structure of the entire country.
Asim Munirβs increased power β new post Chief of Defense Forces
The biggest change came when the Pakistani Parliament passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The amendment gave Asim Munir Imran Khan case a new, extremely powerful positionβChief of Defense Forces (CDF). Itβs the position that puts the command of all three armiesβArmy, Air Force and Navyβin the hands of one man.
On top of that, the creation of this post eliminated the confusion of the army chief in Pakistan’s defense structure, and in fact Asim Munir became the top leader of the entire military system.
Lifetime Legal Security β Questions on Democracy
The amendment granted Asim Munir Imran Khan case βlifetime immunityβ. It was now almost impossible to pursue legal action, cases, or judicial investigations.
Accountability is an essential pillar in a democracy, but the power that has been handed over to the army chief has tilted the balance of power in Pakistan towards the army.
Many analysts say this marks the beginning of βconstitutional militarisationβ in Pakistan, in which the role of the judiciary and civilian government will be weakened.
Protests, concerns and fears β by those who say itβs a βstranglehold on democracyβ
Pakistanβs opposition, journalists, civil society and human rights organizations say in unison that the move is the beginning of an undermining of democratic institutions.
People are sayingβ
- The army is now ready to take full control of politics
- The power of the courts has diminished
- The prime minister and the government will just remain formal faces
- Going forward, Pakistan may see βtotal military ruleβ rather than democracy
Many reports even claim that the change is like a βSilent Coupβ in Pakistan.
Security situation claims versus ground reality
There are many claims that Pakistan’s security system has improved under the leadership of Asim Munir Imran Khan case, but the reality is starting to look the other way around.
Several international reports sayβ
- Terrorist attacks in Pakistan are on the rise again
- The border area is unstable
- Militants have become active again in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
That is, the power increased in the name of security is not having much impact on the ground.
New equation of power in Pakistan
Many analysts say that a new power triumvirate has formed in Pakistanβ
- military
- Control over the judiciary
- Weak political government
In this model, the role of the military has become paramount, and civilian leadership seems to be just a formality.
India, world and analysts’ eyes
The world media, including India, are saying that Pakistan’s current path is dangerous. Democracy is weakening, the military is increasingly involved, and political instability will deepen Pakistanβs economic crisis going forward.
