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New Army Chief Gains Unprecedented Power in Pakistan

12/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Gen. Syed Asim Munir, the army chief, was appointed to a newly created position overseeing all defense forces, granting him unprecedented authority.
The authority granted surpasses that of any military official since Gen. Pervez Musharraf's dictatorship ended in 2008.
Critics warn the move could increase the military's influence in Pakistan's governance.

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Story summary

Gen. Syed Asim Munir, the army chief, was appointed to a newly created position overseeing all defense forces, granting him unprecedented authority.
The authority granted surpasses that of any military official since Gen. Pervez Musharraf's dictatorship ended in 2008.
Critics warn the move could increase the military's influence in Pakistan's governance.