General Asim Munir appointed as Pakistan's new defence forces chief

Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): Pakistan's parliament has approved a significant amendment to the country's constitution, designating Army Chief General Asim Munir as "Commander of the Defence Forces." This amendment is being seen as a sign of major changes to the country's security structure and the role of the military.

According to the new amendment, the Army Chief will now have final authority over strategic decisions related to the three armed forces—land, sea, and air. Previously, this authority formally rested with the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Defense. Analysts say this move further institutionalizes the military's power.

General Asim Munir's role has been further enhanced

General Asim Munir is currently Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, succeeding General Qamar Javed Bajwa in 2022. Following the new amendments, his role will no longer be limited to military matters, but will also play a key role in defense policies, strategic partnerships, and decisions of the National Security Council.

Opposition parties and legal experts have raised questions about the amendment, arguing that it could undermine the "democratic balance" given the military's already considerable political influence in Pakistan. The government, meanwhile, maintains that the amendment aims to "integrate and strengthen national security. "

International analysts are calling this the beginning of a new era of "civil-military relations" in Pakistan. They say the amendment will limit the prime minister's decision-making power on defense matters.