Gen Asim Munir to Become “Field Marshal for Life”

Poonam Sharma

Pakistan’s Power Gamble: Civilian Democracy at Gunpoint

This may be one of the most dramatic moments in Pakistan’s political history: reportedly, the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is getting ready to introduce the 27th Constitutional Amendment, aimed at transforming the Army Chief, General Asim Munir, into a constitutionally empowered Field Marshal-a move that would make military dominance over the state permanent.

If the amendment is approved by the National Assembly, this would stretch Munir’s tenure beyond his scheduled retirement on November 28, 2025, and give him supreme authority not only over the armed forces but also over civilian administration, the judiciary, and intelligence agencies. Sources reveal the proposed amendment intends to amend Article 243 of the Pakistani Constitution, which currently defines the relationship between the armed forces and the civilian government.

This would be the first time in Pakistani history that a military chief is not only retained beyond retirement but given constitutionally enshrined permanent powers, effectively placing Pakistan under formal military rule — without the need for a coup.

The Power Play Behind the Scenes

According to insiders, the Sharif government’s move to fast-track the amendment was prompted by growing pressure from within the military establishment, joined by Asim Munir’s insistence that stability in Pakistan hinges on “strong and uninterrupted military leadership.”

Political analysts comment that the relationship between Sharif and Munir has emerged into a symbiotic one, whereby the government expects protection from instability by the military, and Munir seeks constitutional legitimacy of indefinite control. This has also deepened the fault lines within the political class-particularly with factions belonging to Imran Khan and Bilawal Bhutto-who reportedly oppose the extension of Munir.

The Gaza Connection: Scandal Over Soldiers for Hire

Adding to the controversy, shocking reports have emerged of a secret proposal involving an offer by Pakistan to deploy 20,000 soldiers to Gaza, allegedly in return for USD 10,000 per soldier per day — a deal reportedly rejected by Israel.

Journalist Asma Shirazi, known for her proximity to the Sharif family, revealed that Munir personally oversaw the negotiations through backchannel communications involving U.S. and Israeli intermediaries, including the CIA. Israel reportedly refused the “mercenary-like” proposal, exposing Pakistan’s internal desperation and further humiliating its military leadership.

According to analysts, the scandal has discredited Munir on both the national and international levels. Rather than appearing as a guardian of Islamic interests, the Pakistani Army is now being mocked as a “rent-an-army” available for the highest bidder.

Power Through Amendment: From General to Supreme Commander

The 27th Amendment, as proposed, has the most revolutionary changes to the pecking order of power in Pakistan. Currently, the President is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The new amendment now seeks to redefine this command structure-elevating the Field Marshal, in effect, over the presidency, creating a “Commander-in-Chief” position with independent constitutional authority.

If passed, the amendment would also grant Munir decisive power over:

Civil Administration: By allowing the army to override the provincial and federal decisions on the pretext of “national security.”

Judiciary appointments: Allowing the military control over judicial promotions and transfers effectively signals the death-knell of judicial activism.

Intelligence services: Merge ISI and IB under the direct control of the Field Marshal, bypassing the Prime Minister’s office.

This transformation would erase the last vestiges of civilian supremacy and institutionalize military dominance as a permanent feature of the governance of Pakistan.

The Return of the “Field Marshal” Title

Although Pakistan has used the honorary title “Field Marshal” in the past, it has never been constitutionally incorporated. During the 1960s, Field Marshal Ayub Khan was accorded this title, but the title did not carry any legal authority. The current proposal seeks to place the rank directly into the constitutional framework of Pakistan, to make it a formal and powerful office of the state.

Legal experts inform that this would amount to a parallel centre of power, entrenched with powers to bypass the Parliament and the judiciary by the military at will.

Foreign Influence and the Trump Connection

Observers further refer to General Munir’s increasing closeness with the foreign policy network of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Reports say Munir met with Trump during a private lunch earlier this year, after which the Pakistani military began to tilt toward the emerging U.S.-Gulf-Israel bloc, despite public rhetoric in support of Palestine.

The perception that Munir is being propped up by Washington to ensure Pakistan’s alignment against Iran and China has only fueled public resentment, especially among nationalist and Islamist factions who see this as another betrayal of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Pakistan’s Political Meltdown

The two proposed changes to the constitution have thrown Pakistan’s political world into a panic. Critics say Mr. Sharif’s government is sacrificing national democracy to save his already fragile coalition. The Opposition has warned that the amendment would “formally convert Pakistan into a military monarchy.”

Memes related to the parody of the army’s image are flooding social media in Pakistan, dubbing it “Dance Army” — a dig at the viral comment by an anchor that “Pakistan’s army doesn’t march anymore; it dances when money is thrown.”

Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s supporters are gaining the most out of the crisis, labeling it as proof of the “military mafia’s capture” of Pakistan’s institutions. The Road Ahead Whether the amendment passes or not, Pakistan stands at a crossroads. If approved, it will mark the end of any pretense of democracy — a constitutional dictatorship draped in military uniform. If rejected, it may spark another confrontation between the military and civilian leadership, possibly leading to political chaos or even martial law. Either way, Pakistan’s fragile republic is being redesigned under the shadow of the gun, where the constitution itself becomes an instrument of military ambition rather than the guardian of civilian freedom.