From Ranker to Ruler: How Asim Munir is Tearing Pakistan Apart

Pakistan’s current trajectory under Asim Munir’s leadership is unsustainable.

The appointment of Asim Munir as Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff has brought unprecedented challenges to the nation and its military. His unconventional rise to power, leadership style, and the growing resentment within the ranks of the military and the public have raised serious questions about the future of Pakistan’s stability and security.

A Controversial Personality

Unlike his predecessors, Asim Munir does not belong to the regular cadre of officers commissioned through the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA). Instead, he is a ranker who rose through the now-defunct Officer Training School (OTS). This background has fueled perceptions of an inferiority complex that manifests in his leadership, marked by a lack of understanding of military culture. These deficiencies have contributed to the erosion of institutional values under his command.

An AI illustration of the Op-Ed

Munir’s ascent to the top was not without controversy. Officially retired, his appointment was orchestrated through a political deal with the Sharif family as part of the infamous “London Plan.” This arrangement has not only cast doubts on his legitimacy but has also deepened mistrust between the military and the nation. His insecurities have driven him to amend constitutional provisions to extend his tenure from three to five years, a move that has disrupted career progression within the officer cadre and widened rifts in the institution.

A Legacy of Mediocrity

Asim Munir’s performance as Director-General of Military Intelligence (DGMI) and the Inter-Services Intelligence (DGISI) was far from stellar. His time in these roles failed to produce meaningful achievements, according to those who served under him. Despite early hopes that he might steer the military away from the controversial legacy of General Bajwa, Munir’s entanglement in the “London Plan” dashed such optimism.
The crux of the issue lies in his reliance on sycophants who reinforce his flawed decision-making. This toxic environment has exacerbated the damage caused by his leadership, leaving the military and the nation in a precarious position.

Suppressing Dissent

Asim Munir’s leadership is characterized by an aggressive crackdown on dissent. He has orchestrated court-martials of officers in absentia to set chilling examples, including targeting thousands of officers whom he perceives as threats. His discriminatory actions against Pashtun officers, under the pretext of preventing rebellion, have further fragmented the military. Even the families of servicemen and ex-servicemen, including women and children, have not been spared from harassment and intimidation.

After his crackdown on dissent and internet, this viral image from the social media, frequently depicts Asim Munir as the North Korean dictator Kim Jung Un

This vindictiveness has extended to prominent military veterans and their families. Notable figures like Lt Gen (R) Amjad Shoaib and the family of Maj Gen Sanaullah Khan Niazi (Shaheed) have faced targeted persecution for supporting Imran Khan. Such actions reflect Munir’s authoritarian tendencies and his willingness to sacrifice institutional integrity for personal vendettas.

Brute Fascism of Asim Munir: The Islamabad Massacre

Asim Munir’s inferiority complex, combined with his greed for power, led him to commit heinous crimes against humanity. His role in ordering the Islamabad Massacre—referred to as “The November Killings”—will be remembered as one of the darkest chapters in Pakistan’s history. This action brought international condemnation, as evidenced by the post by Sami Hamdi below, which is one of thousands of such critiques:

“The massacre’s aftermath has triggered widespread dissent within military ranks.” For details please read:

Favoritism and Division

In an effort to secure his position within his power bastion, Munir has surrounded himself with allies from his OTS background. Key appointments, including the Chief of General Staff and the Corps Commander of Rawalpindi’s 10 Corps, are held by OTS officers, sidelining the PMA cadre. This favoritism has deepened divisions within the military and eroded the values of meritocracy and professionalism.

The recent court judgment in the Al-Qadir Trust case highlights the extent of his authoritarian mindset. Munir’s refusal to grant political space to Imran Khan without securing immunity for himself underscores his prioritization of self-preservation over national interest.

A National Threat

Munir’s leadership has destabilized not only the military but also Pakistan’s political and economic landscape. His involvement in crackdowns, such as the Islamabad massacre, and his vendetta against political opponents have intensified public resentment. The recent court judgment in the Al-Qadir Trust case highlights the extent of his authoritarian mindset. Munir’s refusal to grant political space to Imran Khan without securing immunity for himself underscores his prioritization of self-preservation over national interest.

Geopolitical Implications: The Trump Factor

The recent court judgment in the Al-Qadir Trust case highlights the extent of his authoritarian mindset. Munir’s refusal to grant political space to Imran Khan without securing immunity for himself underscores his prioritization of self-preservation over national interest.

Munir’s tenure aligns with external powers’ interests, particularly the outgoing Biden administration of the United States, which preferred a military-dominated Pakistan to counter China and Iran. This complicity poses a direct threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty and regional stability. His erratic and egotistical leadership jeopardizes the nation’s nuclear security and future.

However, President Elect Donald Trump’s deep state agenda has sparked significant debate regarding its implications for global politics, particularly in relation to Pakistan’s military establishment, currently led by Asim Munir. Trump’s administration often portrayed a confrontational stance towards traditional political structures, which some perceived as an attempt to disrupt established norms. This dynamic has influenced Pakistan’s military, which historically relies on support from the U.S. deep state to maintain its grip on power. The military’s dependence on U.S. backing complicates its legitimacy and governance, as it navigates the shifting allegiances and policies of the American political landscape. Consequently, the Pakistani military faces increased scrutiny and pressure to align its actions with U.S. interests, potentially undermining its sovereignty and further entrenching its hold over the country’s political landscape. Key Trump advisors, such as his Envoy for Special Missions, Richard Grenell, have been publicly advocating for the release of Imran Khan, who remains a political nemesis to Asim Munir and his associates.

This situation raises concerns about the implications for democratic processes in Pakistan and the potential for increased authoritarianism as seeks to secure its position amid external pressures.

A Call for Change

Pakistan’s current trajectory under Asim Munir’s leadership is unsustainable. To restore trust in its institutions, the military must return to being an apolitical and professional organization. The era of authoritarianism in South Asia is waning, and Pakistan must embrace this opportunity to foster fair systems, end oppression, and invest in its people.

The removal of Asim Munir and his enablers is not just necessary—it is imperative. Pakistan’s survival as a stable and sovereign nation depends on decisive action to end this crisis and chart a path toward democracy, integrity, and growth. Munir’s leadership is a stark reminder that the nation must prioritize accountability and institutional reform to safeguard its future.

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