Pakistan witnessed widespread unrest on Sunday as opposition parties took to the streets to protest against what they called the “militarisation of politics” and “growing dictatorship” under Army Chief General Asim Munir. Demonstrations erupted across major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, following reports of sweeping powers being granted to the military establishment.
Pakistan on the Boil After Hardliner Asim Munir Gets Another Promotion
The protests, led by alliances of opposition groups, accused the ruling coalition and the army of undermining democratic institutions. Slogans such as “Down with dictatorship” echoed across rally grounds as demonstrators demanded a rollback of the new powers conferred on the army chief.
Tensions have been mounting since Asim Munir
Tensions have been mounting since Asim Munir, already a controversial figure, was reportedly granted additional authority over national security and internal governance — a move critics say turns Pakistan into a “military-administered state.”
This latest unrest comes shortly after Pakistan’s defeat to India in Operation Sindoor, a symbolic name circulating on social media for a diplomatic and strategic embarrassment that weakened the army’s image. Observers believe that Munir’s latest promotion and consolidation of control are attempts to reassert the military’s dominance amid declining public confidence.
Opposition leaders have warned that if the government continues to empower the army unconstitutionally, it could trigger a full-blown political crisis. Meanwhile, government spokespersons have defended the move, claiming it is meant to strengthen coordination between civil and military wings in times of national crisis.
As protests spread, analysts say Pakistan stands at a critical juncture — where rising discontent, economic pressure, and institutional imbalance could push the country toward another phase of political instability.