ISLAMABAD (AP) – Pakistan's new chief of defense forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has been officially confirmed to his position, a recent development aimed at enhancing the cooperation among the branches of the military, which includes the army, navy, and air force. This new role was established by the Pakistani government last month.
On this significant appointment, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office released a statement indicating that a summary for Munir's dual appointment as chief of army staff and chief of defense forces was submitted to President Asif Ali Zardari for approval. Following this, the president granted his approval, thus formalizing Munir's expanded responsibilities.
The official announcement stated that Munir's appointment will last for a period of five years. Additionally, Prime Minister Sharif approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, highlighting ongoing developments within the upper echelons of Pakistan's military leadership.
Field Marshal Munir has gained considerable prominence in the wake of a four-day conflict this year between Pakistan and India, where Pakistan asserted that it had effectively responded to Indian strikes targeting its military positions. The hostilities were sparked by India's aggressions against what it termed militant targets within Pakistan, linked to a massacre of 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Following a series of escalating tensions, both nations sought to de-escalate their conflict after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened, announcing that India and Pakistan had come to a full ceasefire agreement. This truce has since maintained relative peace between the two nuclear-armed rivals.
The recent elevation of Munir to his new position comes just months after he was promoted to the rank of field marshal, making him only the second military officer in Pakistan’s history to achieve this title; the first being General Ayub Khan, who was in command during the 1965 war with India.
A law legislated by Pakistan's parliament last month stipulates that Munir will serve in his uniform for life and will enjoy immunity from arrest. This provision has generated significant controversy, particularly from the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, who claims these broad powers granted to Munir pose a threat to democratic processes within the nation.
Historically, the military has carried substantial influence in Pakistan, preemptively ruling the country for approximately half of its existence. However, it has also been engaged in a protracted struggle against both local insurgents and international terrorists since 2001, coinciding with Pakistan's alliance with the United States in the ongoing war on terror, leading to thousands of casualties among both civilians and security personnel due to militant attacks.
