Saturday, March 29, 2025
Islamabad: Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, is consolidating even more power within the country’s civil-military structure. Despite facing criticism for setbacks during “Operation Sindoor” against India, he has not only maintained his position but is now preparing, with the backing of Pakistan’s political leadership, to extend his role for the next decade.
A closed-door meeting recently took place at the farmhouse of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and General Asim Munir himself. According to sources, the meeting was aimed at finalizing a 10-year strategic power-sharing plan, focused on ensuring “continuity of governance,” long-term political and economic stability, and stronger coordination between military and civilian leadership.
Munir, who was appointed Army Chief in November 2022 for a three-year term, is due to retire on November 28, 2025. However, under the amended provisions of the Pakistan Army Act (1952), he may now be granted an additional five-year extension. Sources suggest that the notification of his continuation in office is expected soon, a move that would firmly establish his dominance within Pakistan’s power structure.
In the secret meeting, Pakistan’s leadership endorsed a joint decision-making framework for all key policies and appointments. This includes major military postings such as the Director-General of the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence), Director-General of Military Intelligence, and Director-General of Counter-Intelligence, which will now require the consent of both military and political leadership.
Notably, the current ISI chief, Lt. Gen. Asim Malik, who is due to retire in October, was also present in the meeting. Deliberations were held on granting him an extension as well, reflecting efforts to maintain stability in Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus.
According to CNN-News18 sources, all participants in the meeting agreed on a “10-year continuity plan” designed to provide political and security stability to attract foreign investments from countries like the United States, China, and Gulf nations. By presenting a unified civil-military front, Pakistan’s ruling elite aims to secure international confidence in its political and economic direction.
The meeting also carried major implications for Pakistan’s internal politics. Discussions touched upon imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been a long-standing adversary of both the Sharif family and General Munir. Despite the public’s heavy support for him during the last general election, Shehbaz Sharif’s party managed—through political maneuvering—to retain control of government.
However, sources revealed that during the meeting, a clear decision was taken that Imran Khan will be given no concessions or relief of any kind. This cements his political isolation while strengthening Munir and the Sharif family’s long-term grip on power.
✅ This development marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s power dynamics, with General Asim Munir poised to dominate the country’s civil-military structure for another decade, alongside the Sharif dynasty’s political backing.
