Asim Munir appointed as Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Staff.
From the Public Relations Office of the President of Pakistan, after approving the recent amendment to the country’s constitution, which has somewhat increased the power of the army command, President Asif Ali Zardari signed the order appointing Syed Asim Munir as the new Chief of Defense Forces of Pakistan, while retaining his current position (Commander of the Pakistan Army).
Asim Munir is the first high-ranking military official in Pakistan’s history to sit on the chair of the Chief of Defense Forces, which includes all armed forces.
Hours ago, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif signed the resolution of the country’s parliament on expanding the powers of the army commanders and sent it to the presidency for final approval, and President Asif Ali Zardari also approved the appointment of Asim Munir.
In another order, the Prime Minister of Pakistan also extended the term of service of the current commander of the country’s air force, Zaheer Ahmed Babar, for another two years.
The Pakistani parliament had previously approved an amendment to the constitution, increasing the powers of the country’s army commanders.
According to domestic observers and Western experts, Asim Munir’s powers have been expanded by the new 27th Amendment to the Pakistani Constitution, consolidating his control as the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces over all branches of the military.
The amendment, which aims to “enhance coordination in the command of the three services,” effectively increases the political influence of the Chief of Defence Staff and also grants him lifelong immunity from actions taken during his term.
Asim Munir’s popularity soared after the four-day Pakistan-India conflict in May this year, with government leaders and media outlets close to him hailing him as Pakistan’s “savior” from what they called “Indian aggression.”