In a surprising twist within Pakistan’s military hierarchy, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza has reportedly taken Army Chief General Asim Munir into custody, as per sources with knowledge of the situation. This significant development, if confirmed, represents an unusual and deeply concerning level of internal strife at the pinnacle of the Pakistan Army.
Sources suggest that General Munir is being held at an undisclosed location and may face military court proceedings on charges of treason. Additionally, a collective of senior and mid-level military officers, including colonels, majors, and captains, has issued a strongly worded letter calling for Munir’s immediate resignation. The letter accuses him of leveraging the military to suppress political dissent, meddle in electoral processes, limit press freedoms, and worsen the nation’s ongoing crises.
The officers draw parallels to the 1971 events that led to the separation of East Pakistan and the establishment of Bangladesh, citing the country’s current economic collapse, increasing public discontent, and concerning incidents such as the recent train hijacking in Balochistan as indicators of a governance crisis under Munir’s command. They insist on transferring power to a council of senior military officials to preserve the military’s integrity, warning that a forced removal may become necessary should Munir decline to step down willingly.
This unusual public dissent within the military establishment occurs amid escalating unrest throughout the country and speculations about the potential release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. These concurrent events could signal a significant shift in both the political and military landscape of Pakistan, leaving many observers on edge about the future stability of the nation.
The dramatic unfolding of events highlights the complex interplay between military authority and political governance in Pakistan, underscoring the potential for a reorientation of power dynamics in the coming days.