Washington, Nov 27 (NationPress) Field Marshal Asim Munir is poised to solidify his position as the most influential figure in Pakistan following his appointment as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, indicating a shift towards direct military governance, a report reveals.

The establishment of the CDF role came after the passage of a constitutional amendment by Pakistan's parliament in November, placing Munir in command of the nation's navy and air forces, along with providing him with lifelong legal immunity.

A report from The Christian Science Monitor notes, "While the title is novel, it evokes a sense of history repeating. Since its independence in 1947, Pakistan has alternated between civilian and military governance. Direct military rule has occurred for 33 of the nation's 78 years, while the military has influenced politics from behind the scenes for the remaining 45 years, manipulating politicians and governments."

The report continues, "Under Field Marshal Munir's command, the army has influenced elections and initiated a severe crackdown on Pakistan’s leading political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), whose head, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is currently imprisoned. Following earlier conflicts with India, the army and its allies—often referred to as 'the establishment'—have seen a surge in popularity. This amendment brings Pakistan closer to direct military governance. As historian Ayesha Jalal puts it, 'We are witnessing a military that has always been strong becoming even more powerful.'"

The report highlights that historians and analysts are debating how the military cemented such a lasting influence in Pakistani politics, tracing back to 1852. After the British partitioned the subcontinent in 1947, Punjab predominantly joined Pakistan. The military soon overshadowed the political class, largely made up of migrants from what is now India.

The Pakistani army appeared invulnerable under the last military ruler Pervez Musharraf until two rivals united to prevent military intervention in politics. Following Musharraf's regime, the Pakistan Muslim League (PMLN) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) agreed not to be used as political pawns in a restored democracy, as reported by The Christian Science Monitor.

The 2013 general election marked Pakistan's first peaceful transition of power between elected civilian administrations. In response to this challenge, the military began to support Imran Khan as an alternative leader, facilitating his rise to power during the same election. After tensions escalated between Khan and the military, the latter orchestrated the removal of the PTI founder via a no-confidence vote in 2022.

Currently, according to the report, Field Marshal Munir is granted an additional five years in authority, along with control over Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and lifelong immunity from prosecution due to the new 27th amendment.