The promotion of Field Marshal Asim Munir in Pakistan and his meeting with Trump have intensified the apprehension of a coup. President Zardari is under pressure to resign, and there are indications of power shifting to the army.
New Delhi: Clouds of conflict are once again gathering between the military and the government in Pakistani politics. The recent promotion of Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal has created a stir in the country's political arena. It is being said that this promotion is not just a military formality, but could be a prelude to a change in power. The question now being discussed is whether Field Marshal Munir is preparing to take over the reins of power by removing President Asif Ali Zardari? Is Pakistan once again heading towards a military coup?
The Rank of Field Marshal: A Symbol or a Stairway to Power?
General Asim Munir was appointed Pakistan's second Field Marshal in May 2025. Before this, only General Ayub Khan took this rank in 1959 and later seized power in the country. This promotion of Asim Munir happened after India's 'Operation Sindoor', when Pakistan faced a military defeat on the border. Therefore, many political experts are considering this promotion not just as an honor, but as the first step towards a transfer of power.
Is Munir More Powerful Than Shehbaz Sharif?
This promotion appears to be working against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. There is talk in political circles that after becoming Field Marshal, Munir is now in a position above both the Prime Minister and the President. His visit to the United States and his meeting with Donald Trump have further increased his international influence. According to some sources, the Trump-Munir meeting could prove to be a new turning point in Pakistan's foreign policy.
A General in the White House, Not the President!
In June 2025, when Asim Munir went to the United States, he met directly with Donald Trump in the White House. The surprising thing was that neither Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif nor the Foreign Minister were present at this meeting. This was the first time that a Pakistani military officer was given the level of respect of a head of state by the US President. This sent a message in Pakistan that the real center of power in the eyes of America is someone else.
Disagreement on CPEC, Inclination Towards America?
President Zardari is considered pro-China and has always been in favor of CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor). On the other hand, General Munir is accused of now making strategic agreements with America, shifting away from China. According to sources, America wants to weaken CPEC and Munir could become a 'strategic partner' for this. The term "silent coup" is currently trending on social media, claiming that preparations to remove Zardari are complete.
Ejaz Saeed's Claim and Political Maneuvering
Pakistani journalist Ejaz Saeed has revealed that pressure is mounting on President Zardari to resign. Many senior politicians and bureaucrats are in favor of giving him a 'dignified exit' so that the change of power can happen peacefully. According to him, the army has already prepared the blueprint of a new system of power through back-channel diplomacy.
What Will Be the Next Step?
According to political analysts, there are three possible paths for Pakistan:
- The President's resignation and Munir becoming the executive head.
- Dissolving the Senate and National Assembly and forming a technocratic government.
- Taking power directly through a military coup, as General Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf did in the past.
Opposition Silence and Public Anxiety
The strange thing is that the opposition parties have not yet made any clear statement on this issue. It is believed that they are also giving more importance to practical politics than the constitution in the face of the army's strength. However, there is a state of confusion among the public. The country's economic situation is already in crisis and now political uncertainty has further increased the concerns of the common people.
