Is Lt-Gen Asim Munir the next Army Chief of Pakistan?
Technically speaking, Lt-Gen Asim Munir is the most senior of the five generals vying for the coveted position of Pakistan Army chief. He is scheduled to leave office, though, a few days before the current official hangs up his uniform, according to local media.
Since he has the power to promote a Lt. Gen. to the rank of a four-star general before his retirement, a move that may add additional three years to his career, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif might conceivably find a way out if he chooses Gen. Munir as the next COAS, Dawn said.
Under the condition of anonymity, a source told Dawn, “Mian sahib feels it should be the senior-most man, while the other side has a different point of view.” It is discovered that Nawaz is “conscious that he needs to strike a balance” in light of the scandals that have dogged Gen Bajwa’s two years in office.
The source chuckled and said, “The younger Sharif will do as ordered – by who, I don’t know,” according to Dawn. Nawaz Sahrif is aware of the necessity for brinksmanship, according to the source, but “the question is whether the prime minister will be able to bear the pressure when the summary comes to him,” the source said.
“Divergent opinions pose a risk for things to go wrong, therefore some sanity will need to prevail. Although Nawaz Sahrif makes it apparent that a decision would be made when the summary is presented, both sides have cards to play.”
Is Lt-Gen Asim Munir the next Army Chief of Pakistan?
The Sharifs are taking a number of things into account. According to Dawn, the main important reason why an appointment of this gravity should not be made is that there is a big trust gap between them and the army.
