Is the chain of power in Pakistan going to break now? Why did the four demands each of Asim Munir and Sharif family shake the balance of power? Will this confrontation push the country into a new political storm, or is there preparation for some hidden agreement?
Islamabad. Pakistan is once again standing on the brink of a major political and military crisis. The power struggle between the country’s Army Chief General Asim Munir and the Sharif family is currently at its most intense. Both the parties have made their demands clear and there seems to be no scope for compromise in these demands. This is the reason why what will happen next after this conflict has become the biggest question for the future of Pakistan’s politics.
Will there be a direct clash between army and politics in Pakistan?
The current situation shows that this is not just a fight for “seat or post”, but a decisive fight as to who will hold the real power in Pakistan. This direct clash between army and politics can push the country into political and constitutional crisis in the coming months.
Four conditions each put forward by Munir and Sharif
There are three big things at the center of this dispute – control of power, leadership within the army, and political interference. The question is, what will be the end of such a big conflict in a sensitive country like Pakistan? And in whose hands will the real decision go? To understand this entire dispute, it is important to first understand the four demands of both the parties. This is where it becomes clear that the tension is actually much deeper than it appears on the surface.
After all, what does Asim Munir want? Is it just an extension issue?
General Asim Munir has made his four demands clear, which can completely change the politics of Pakistan.
- 1. Five-year extension: He wants to remain Army Chief for five years. In his view, this time is necessary for “stability” and “control” in the country.
- 2. Exclusive leadership over the entire defense system: Munir wants that he should have complete control over the defense system for five years i.e. no shared command.
- 3. Not Deputy Army Chief: This demand is very important. This means that decisions should be taken by only one person – there should not be any kind of rivalry or power sharing.
- 4. Unlimited Rights: Sources say that this includes the power to “re-shape” the political structure. That means increasing the role of the army in politics.
Why is Sharif-Zardari camp standing in opposition? After all, what are you afraid of?
The Sharif family and the Zardari camp feel that by giving more power to Asim Munir, the civil government of Pakistan will remain in name only.
- 1. Army Chief only till 2027: He doesn’t want an extension. Are in favor of keeping Munir on the post only till the fixed tenure.
- 2. Demand for second leadership: He wants a second senior general to also share leadership in the defense establishment, so that control does not remain in just one hand.
- 3. Appointment of Deputy Army Chief: This will be a check-balance model, which will end the complete dominance of a single face in the army.
- 4. Limited Rights: His clear demand is that the army should not interfere in politics.
Is Pakistan going to be engulfed in a new political storm?
Analysts are constantly warning that if both sides do not back down, this war will not be limited to power alone. This could push Pakistan towards a new constitutional crisis, weak civilian governance and open conflict between the army versus the political establishment.
Is Pakistan going to get into a big crisis again?
- Right now the situation is such that neither the Sharif camp nor Asim Munir is ready to back down.
- If the conflict continues like this, the balance of power in Pakistan may completely break down in the coming months.