Pakistan’s Paramilitary Rule Gives Absolute Power to Asim Munir
TEHRAN (Defapress) - In a significant move that redefines the political-military balance of power in Pakistan, the country’s parliament passed two new laws on Thursday that significantly expanded the legal and operational powers of Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF). The controversial legislation effectively made Munir the most powerful military figure in Pakistan’s modern history, handing him sole control of the three forces, the army, navy and air force, as well as the country’s strategic and nuclear decision-making center.
The new Defence Act 2026 and the amendment to the National Command Authority Act 2010 have elevated the organizational role of the Defence Forces, which was established just a year ago, to a commanding super-institution. Under these provisions, Asim Munir is now the ultimate authority for multi-sectoral integration, operational coordination and oversight of all common matters that have strategic implications for Pakistan’s national security.
In addition, he has been given full authority to decide on the retirement, resignation, removal or extension of service of all military personnel, except in cases such as direct presidential appointments such as the top commanders of the three services, and even to impose age and service restrictions.
Pakistan’s constitution requires the Chief of Defence Staff to also be the Commander of the Ground Forces, a combination that makes Munir the senior military advisor to Pakistan’s nuclear command. These new laws have given him a dominant influence over the career advancement of officers and have further consolidated the military’s authoritative role in the country’s major decision-making body.
These fateful plans, formulated in pursuit of the 27th Amendment to the Constitution, were approved by the cabinet headed by Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday and immediately entered the open court of the National Assembly by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, without being on the official agenda. The said resolution was ultimately passed amidst a protest walkout and the abstention of opposition representatives.
The 27th Amendment to the Constitution, which transformed the army command structure last year, in addition to creating the position of commander of the defense forces, gave Asim Munir complete and absolute judicial immunity from any arrest or prosecution related to his personal or official actions. Munir, who was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal in May 2025, is only the second military official in Pakistan’s history to achieve this highest ceremonial and powerful rank, after Ayub Khan.
The passage of these laws represents a fundamental shift in Pakistan’s governance structure and a gradual shift from a system based on political and cabinet-based power to a deepening militarization of the state. This trend could have negative and worrying consequences for the country’s political and social future. With the transfer of extensive powers, the possibility of weakening the independence of the judiciary and the power of civilian institutions and the elected government increases.
Ultimately, such a concentration of power paves the way for a practical shift towards paramilitary rule and informal dictatorship, in which the principle of separation of powers and democracy will be weakened under the powerful shadow of the military establishment.
