Munir was also Pakistan's senior spy and now will succeed incumbent General Qamar Javed Bajwa...
Digital Desk: Pakistan nominated Lieutenant-General Asim Munir as commander of the army on Thursday, an organisation that has enormous power in the nuclear-armed country's governance.
Munir, who was also Pakistan's senior spy, will succeed current General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who will retire later this month following a six-year stint, according to the defence ministry.
His appointment comes at a time when the military is at odds with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who blames the army for his departure earlier this year.
"It is based on merit, law, and the constitution," Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told the media persons after naming Munir as the new chief.
The army has historically played a disproportionate role in both domestic and foreign politics, and Munir's appointment could have an impact on Pakistan's fragile democracy, relations with neighbouring India and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, as well as the country's pivot toward China or the United States.
On Wednesday, outgoing army chief Bajwa said the military would have no role in national politics in the future, dismissing Khan's assertions that a US-backed conspiracy atop his government as "fake and baseless."
Khan, who suffered gunshot wounds earlier this month while participating in anti-government protests, has pledged to keep campaigning for early elections and has planned to join a demonstration on Saturday in Rawalpindi, where the army's headquarters are located.
Continue Reading
