Asim Munir to rule Pakistan for life? Shehbaz Sharif’s BIG plan legitimise to ‘civil-military rule’ exposed; Here’s what we know

Its an open secret that Pakistan is ruled by powerful military and the country’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is the de facto, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led civilian government is subservient to the military establishment. However, Islamabad is now planning to amend the Pakistani Constitution to usher in what it calls a “civil-military” rule in the country, effectively legitimizing the Pakistan Army’s control of the civilian government, and paving the way for Army Chief Asim Munir to remain in power for life, akin to a dictator.

How 27th amendment will make Asim Munir more powerful?

According to reports, the Shehbaz Sharif government is gearing up to introduce the 27th Amendment to provide constitutional validity to the Asim Munir-led military rule in Pakistan, and experts believe the move is being made in wake of the Pakistan Army Chief’s retirement.

The 27th Constitutional Amendment is set to be introduced in Pakistan’s Parliament on November 7th, according to a CNN-News18 report, and is designed to officially crown Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s de facto leader for life, by ensuring that he continues to wield unlimited power beyond his retirement, like a true military dictator.

Additionally, opponents argue that the proposed amendment will significantly curb judicial independence and powers of the provinces, apart from impacting the tenure of the Pakistan Army Chief.

How Bilawal Bhutto exposed Shehbaz regime’s plan?

Notably, the federal government in Islamabad had tried to keep their plans to amend the constitution under the wraps, but the proposal came to light when Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari revealed in a social media post that Shehbaz Sharif had sought his party’s support for the proposed amendment.

In his X post, Bilawal revealed that the amendment bill contains provisions related to constitutional courts and transfer of judges, apart from sweeping alterations of Article 243, which deals with command and control of the Pakistani Armed Forces. The 27th amendment seeks to transfer complete control of the armed forces to the federal government, essentially making Asim Munir the most powerful man in Pakistan.

While the federal government has maintained radio silence on the matter, the proposal to amend Article 243 is being viewed as a step to secure Asim Munir’s position and power, and further tighten the military’s grip over the civilian government.