On Thursday, Pakistan’s Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced that Lieutenant General Asim Munir would take over as the country’s new army chief. Given the power enjoyed by the military in Pakistan’s domestic politics, the appointment is significant for both Pakistan and India.
1. Asim Munir, who is currently serving as the Quartermaster General, will replace General Qamar Javed Bajwa as the Chief of Army Staff. Bajwa, who reached the top post in 2016, will retire after six years in office.
2. Munir has a background in intelligence and has served as the Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Director General of Military Intelligence.
You might also like
Why the party isn’t over for bank stocks
SEBI cautions RBI about evergreen loans of NBFCs
Kamath hires old comrade to power JioFin juggernaut
Government sees lower GDP growth than latest RBI forecast
3. He also served as a Defense Attache in Saudi Arabia and General Officer Commanding Force Command Northern Areas. In the latter assignment, he commanded a force that deals directly with India.
4. Munir’s relationship with former PM Imran Khan has been the subject of much speculation. Munir has the dubious distinction of being the shortest serving ISI chief. He was sacked by Imran Khan only after eight months of his tenure.
5. With Imran Khan now looking to return to power, Munir’s appointment could prove to be a major deterrent to Khan’s ambitions, given the military’s enormous power over national politics.
6. It is not clear what will be Munir’s stand towards India. His predecessor, General Bajwa, played a role in crafting the 2021 ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Bajwa also tried to build a stronger economic relationship between the two countries.
7. Pakistan’s internal economic problems, including unsustainable debt and inflation, may necessitate a more friendly approach towards India.
8. With Munir’s appointment, Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza was also elected chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC).
Elsewhere in Mint
In Opinion, Jaspreet Bindra reveals what the two have in common Roman Empire and Twitter and Facebook, Sudipto Mundle writes visible hand of state Joining the invisible hand of the market. Devina Sengupta focuses on the gap between a job and a career For ladies. long story finds Baraat is back with a bang,