Will Army Chief Asim Munir Be Pakistan’s Next President? Analyzing What His Actions Signal for India
Could Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir soon replace President Asif Ali Zardari? Are we witnessing the start of a subtle military takeover, or is it just another speculative theory?
In a nation where the military has governed for nearly half its post-1947 history, discussions about coups are not uncommon. But when a Pakistani Army Chief holds a meeting with the US President before the country’s own Prime Minister, or when a former Prime Minister accuses him of plotting his assassination, the whispers in Islamabad grow too loud to dismiss. Welcome to Pakistan — where its newly-titled Field Marshal, General Asim Munir, recently spent two hours sharing lunch with US President Donald Trump at the White House. Munir is now heading to Sri Lanka and Indonesia for bilateral talks with leaders — notably without Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by his side.
That’s not all. Former PM Imran Khan, now imprisoned in Adiala Jail, claims that if anything happens to him, General Munir should be held responsible.
Is General Asim Munir preparing to seize complete control in Islamabad? Could he be plotting to unseat President Asif Ali Zardari and claim the presidency himself? Are we seeing the quiet build-up to a soft coup?
Prime Minister Sharif denied the speculation, stating: “General Munir has neither a plan nor any ambition to become President.”
But he is aware of historical parallels. Munir was recently promoted to Field Marshal — only the second time in Pakistan’s history after Ayub Khan, who later became a military ruler and President.
So now, regional chatter has shifted to a new question: Is Munir shaping up to be the next Ayub Khan? PM Sharif’s denial has, paradoxically, intensified the speculation.
Why Munir Holds the Reins of Power
General Munir has occupied every major position within Pakistan’s military establishment: Director-General of ISI, head of Military Intelligence, Corps Commander, and now the Chief of Army Staff. In May and June, he joined PM Sharif on key diplomatic trips to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Türkiye, Iran, and Azerbaijan. But now, his international engagements are solo missions — a Field Marshal subtly signaling who truly governs Pakistan.
The Pakistani military, in an unusual move, released an official statement on July 10 about Munir’s US visit — a communication that would typically come from the foreign ministry. His exclusive lunch with US President Trump, held in the White House’s Cabinet and Oval Rooms, was a clear indication of Munir’s prominence — even Washington acknowledges he’s the person to engage with. As of now, PM Sharif has not met Trump.
During Operation Sindoor, it was US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who phoned Munir to urge restraint — not Sharif.
India Keeps a Close Eye
A Pakistan dominated by the military under Munir’s leadership is concerning for New Delhi. India views him as the strategist behind the Pahalgam terror strike. To Indian officials, he is the figure who champions the two-nation theory, declares Kashmir as Pakistan’s “lifeline,” and emphasizes the divide between Hindus and Muslims. For India, he symbolizes Islamabad’s policy of state-sponsored terror.
So, is a coup really underway? How long will the democratic appearance hold? Whether a formal power grab takes place or not, it is clear that the military under Munir will continue to control the reins from behind the curtain — shaping elections, foreign relations, and much more.
