Washington, Nov 28 (NationPress) Reports indicate that under Asim Munir's command, the Pakistani military is being accused of election manipulation and a severe crackdown on the significant political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), whose leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan is currently incarcerated.

The recent 27th amendment to Pakistan's Constitution allegedly extends Field Marshal Munir's term by an additional five years, granting him comprehensive control over the nation’s nuclear arsenal along with lifelong immunity from prosecution, thereby steering the country closer to direct military governance.

As reported by the American publication The Christian Science Monitor, Field Marshal Munir solidified his position as the most powerful individual in Pakistan when he took on the newly created role of the country's first-ever Chief of Defence Forces.

This position was established following a constitutional amendment passed by parliament this month, placing Field Marshal Munir in command of both the navy and air force, while also providing him with lifelong immunity. Although the title is novel, it echoes a historical pattern; since independence in 1947, Pakistan has fluctuated between civilian and military rule. The military has directly governed for 33 of the 78 years of Pakistan’s history, while for the remaining 45 years, it has exercised its influence from behind the scenes, manipulating politicians and governments.

The report highlights that the 2013 General Election marked the first transfer of power from one elected civilian government to another. By the 2018 elections, the Pakistani parliament had successfully completed two consecutive terms, representing a significant milestone.

“In response to threats to its dominant influence, the military nurtured Imran Khan as a third-party candidate, elevating him to power in that election. Khan, a well-known cricketer-turned-philanthropist, campaigned on the promise of dismantling the corruption cycle he accused the PMLN and PPP of imposing on Pakistan,” the report elaborated.

Shuja Nawaz, a former distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council, posited that without military support, Imran Khan “would not have secured the seats necessary for his premiership.”

The ensuing “hybrid regime,” a term coined by the media for Khan's administration, saw a regression in democratic norms. When tensions flared between Khan’s administration and the military, the latter orchestrated his ouster through a vote of no confidence in April 2022.

Commenting on Pakistan’s 27th constitutional amendment, historian Ayesha Jalal remarked, “What we are witnessing now is a military that has been strong, becoming even stronger.”