Pakistan's Military Overhaul Raises Questions About Civilian Control
What Happened
Pakistan's Parliament has passed new defence laws that place the Army, Navy and Air Force under a unified command headed by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Asim Munir. The legislation gives him sweeping powers over military operations and personnel decisions, including the authority to hire, fire, retire, retain personnel, and alter retirement limits.
Key Takeaways
The move significantly strengthens Munir's influence over Pakistan's military establishment and strategic command structure, prompting debate over whether power is becoming increasingly concentrated in the hands of the military leadership.