From Lahore to Karachi, political circles and customary residents alike are abuzz with hypothesis: is Pakistan’s highly effective Military Chief, Normal Asim Munir, planning to develop into the nation’s subsequent President? Stories in some Pakistani media recommend that Munir is exploring constitutional adjustments to take away present President Asif Ali Zardari — father of PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto — and doubtlessly set up himself within the high civilian submit.
Why Is Munir Eyeing Presidency?
Whereas army interference in Pakistan’s civilian affairs is hardly new, Munir’s transfer raises deeper questions. Analysts consider the military needs tighter management over the political narrative, particularly after current friction with Bilawal Bhutto, who overtly criticised Munir’s war-mongering statements following India’s Operation Sindoor. The military reportedly anticipated Bilawal to amplify anti-India rhetoric throughout his international visits, however as an alternative, he diplomatically caught to the Indus Waters Treaty — defying the army’s agenda.
Rising Tensions Between PPP-Navy
This defiance has widened the rift between the Pakistan Individuals’s Get together (PPP) and the army. Zardari’s place as President has develop into a stress level, with hypothesis that eradicating him would additionally weaken Bilawal’s political standing. The friction intensified after Bilawal gave a controversial interview stating that if India offers intelligence on Masood Azhar’s whereabouts, Pakistan would contemplate arresting him — an announcement that upset each the army and terror networks with recognized ties to the military.
Extradition Dilemma
Though there’s no formal extradition treaty between India and Pakistan, worldwide regulation features a precept referred to as “Double Criminality” — which permits extradition if the accused is needed in each international locations for a similar crime. Hafiz Saeed, as an illustration, faces trial in Pakistan for his function within the 26/11 Mumbai assaults and has additionally been convicted within the U.S. for associated terrorism prices. Equally, Masood Azhar is accused in Pakistan of plotting ex-dictator Pervez Musharraf’s assassination. These overlapping authorized circumstances imply that extradition isn’t unimaginable — and up to date alerts from the Pakistani authorities have made terror-linked factions and Munir’s circle uneasy.
Munir – De Facto Chief?
Regardless of PM Shehbaz Sharif dismissing the hypothesis about Munir’s presidential ambitions, historical past paints a unique image. Munir was just lately elevated to Discipline Marshal, a uncommon honour final conferred on Ayub Khan, who additionally transitioned from army chief to President-dictator. Munir, too, holds a resume crammed with highly effective postings — from DG ISI to Military Chief — and his high-profile solo visits to key nations comparable to Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Iran recommend a person positioning himself on the world forefront, with or with out civilian endorsement.
What This Means for India
A Pakistan led by Discipline Marshal Munir — both formally or from behind the scenes — could be deeply militarised, doubtlessly escalating tensions with New Delhi. India already sees Munir because the architect of the current Pahalgam terror assault, a staunch supporter of the two-nation concept, and somebody who has publicly referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein.” His rise might imply harder rhetoric, aggressive posturing on Kashmir, and tighter coordination between the army and terror proxies.
The Backside Line
Whether or not or not Munir turns into President, his rising dominance in Pakistan’s energy construction is simple. And for India, a military-first Pakistan below Munir’s shadow is a transparent purple flag — each diplomatically and on the safety entrance.