Copyright news18
The tension between GHQ and Islamabad has escalated over the extension of Pakistani Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s term. While the Pakistan government insists that no new notification is necessary as the term has already been extended until 2027, Field Marshal Asim Munir is pushing for a five-year extension starting now to 2030. According to top intelligence sources, the ongoing rift between GHQ Rawalpindi and Islamabad is not merely about tenure but control of the transition. By demanding a new five-year term starting now, Field Marshal Munir is aiming to dominate Pakistan’s next political cycle, ensuring military influence through at least two civilian governments, the sources said. The sources told News18 that for the PML-N, the proposal of a two-year deal appears less of a compromise and more of a survival tactic. It has argued that extending Field Marshal Munir’s term for five years now will make it impossible to rein in his influence, as he would dominate the establishment and play political games, they said. They said Field Marshal Munir, on the other hand, has promised to bring the PML-N into power within five years — an assurance that the party is not ready to accept. Instead, it has suggested a new formula — give him two years now, with a promise of an additional five years starting 2027, they added. The strategy behind the PML-N’s proposal is to hold early elections before the Pakistani army chief’s extended term ends in 2027, the sources said. Once in power, they could then consider granting him the five-year extension that he wants, they said. Reports suggest that Field Marshal Munir is seeking support from foreign powers, including Qatar, which is attempting to broker a deal with Shehbaz Sharif. There is, however, not much internal opposition in the military to his term extension for another five years, they said. He has already positioned his young generals in key roles and is reportedly planning to change some top corps commanders soon to prevent any seniority issues, they added. DG ISI General Asim Malik has been given an extension extension till indefinite time. Lt General Amer Ahsan Nawaz has been made military secretary at GHQ in August; he was corps commander Rawalpindi and is a close aide of Field Marshal Munir. DG-C ISI General Faisal Naseer was supposed to be transferred in June-July but is still at his position and may remain or will be promoted to a key position. DGMO Major General Kashif Abdullah is the Field Marshal’s “blue-eyed boy”; he was with him on China, United States and Pak-Saudi defence deal signing ceremony in Riyadh. A key general to the Field Marshal, Lt General Aamer Raza was appointed in February and is also a close aide. ISI INTERVENTION The sources said this matter has become a major problem, with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) mobilising the TLP on the streets to demonstrate government failure. It has noted that the ban on the TLP is via an executive order, not a constitutional one, and can be scrapped at any time, they said. They said in a significant move, the ISI has orchestrated a petition through a citizen against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alleging multiple frauds disqualifying him as an member of national assembly (MNA). Notably, this petition has been accepted by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), they added.
