Pakistan Grants Field Marshal Asim Munir Expanded Powers Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Regional tensions escalate as Pakistan moves to expand Asim Munir's authority.

Pakistan's parliament is preparing to grant Field Marshal Asim Munir lifetime immunity, a significant move that would further solidify the military's influence in this nuclear-armed nation.

The parliament's lower house has approved a constitutional amendment bill that extends Munir's control over military branches. According to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif via the state-owned Associated Press of Pakistan, this decision aims to reinforce national unity.

Widely recognized as Pakistan's most influential leader, Munir represents an army that maintains decisive authority on crucial matters spanning foreign policy, domestic politics, and economic affairs. The military's dominance has expanded in recent years, particularly following a brief military confrontation with India in May that resulted in Munir's elevation from four-star general to become only the second field marshal in Pakistan's history.

According to Michael Kugelman, a non-resident senior fellow at Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, this constitutional amendment "could further strengthen the power of the armed forces, which already arguably enjoy more power than during any other period of non-military rule."

Since his promotion, Munir has led initiatives to enhance Pakistan's relationship with the United States, with President Donald Trump recently referring to him as his "favorite Field Marshal."

Pakistani leadership has consistently praised Trump for his involvement during the May conflict with India, attributing to him the successful negotiation of a ceasefire between the two nuclear powers. While India has consistently rejected claims of US mediation in the truce, Islamabad has expressed intentions to nominate Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Pakistan's security relationship with the United States has fluctuated between periods of close collaboration and strained relations. Meanwhile, across multiple administrations, the US has cultivated India as a regional partner to counterbalance China's growing assertiveness.

This expansion of Munir's authority comes amid heightened regional tensions following deadly explosions in both Indian and Pakistani capitals within a 24-hour period, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and numerous injuries.

Among additional changes, the legislation empowers Prime Minister Sharif to appoint or remove supreme court judges, a provision widely criticized for undermining judicial independence. The government also plans to establish a Federal Constitutional Court, which analysts suggest would diminish the Supreme Court's authority.

Pakistan's constitutional history includes numerous amendments that have altered power dynamics. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar described these changes as part of ongoing efforts to achieve balanced civil-military relations.