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Political shakeup in Pakistan? President Asif Ali Zardari to be forced to quit, Asim Munir to take over? Defence Minister says...

Political Shakeup in Pakistan: President Asif Ali Zardari Faces Pressure to Resign Amid Rumors of Military Takeover

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Pakistan's political landscape, reports are emerging that President Asif Ali Zardari may be compelled to step down from his position. According to sources close to the matter, this potential resignation is linked to escalating tensions within the country's power corridors, with Army Chief General Asim Munir poised to assume a more dominant role in governance. The Defence Minister has publicly weighed in on the situation, adding fuel to the speculation and highlighting the fragile balance between civilian leadership and military influence in Pakistan.

The controversy stems from a series of internal conflicts that have plagued the ruling coalition government, led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) under Zardari's influence and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Zardari, who has served as president since 2023 after a previous term from 2008 to 2013, is no stranger to political intrigue. His current tenure has been marked by economic challenges, including soaring inflation, energy crises, and international debt obligations, which have eroded public support and strained alliances within the government.

Insiders suggest that the push for Zardari's exit is not merely a result of policy failures but is deeply intertwined with the military's growing dissatisfaction with the civilian administration's handling of security and foreign policy matters. General Asim Munir, who took over as Chief of Army Staff in November 2022, has been increasingly vocal about the need for stability and decisive action against internal threats such as terrorism and economic mismanagement. Munir's tenure has seen a resurgence in military operations against militant groups in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, earning him praise from some quarters while raising concerns about overreach in others.

The Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, addressed the rumors in a recent press briefing, stating that any transition in leadership must prioritize national interests over personal ambitions. "Pakistan stands at a crossroads," Asif remarked. "The armed forces, under the able leadership of General Munir, have always been the backbone of our sovereignty. If there are adjustments in the political setup, they will be made to ensure the country's progress and security." While Asif stopped short of confirming Zardari's resignation, his comments have been interpreted as a subtle endorsement of a shift in power dynamics, potentially paving the way for Munir to take on a more formalized role, possibly in an interim capacity or through enhanced military advisory positions.

This development is reminiscent of Pakistan's turbulent history, where military interventions have frequently disrupted democratic processes. Since its independence in 1947, Pakistan has experienced multiple coups, with generals like Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Pervez Musharraf assuming control during periods of perceived civilian incompetence. Zardari's potential ousting would mark yet another chapter in this saga, raising questions about the sustainability of democratic institutions in a nation where the military wields significant influence over politics, media, and the economy.

Background on Zardari's Political Journey: Asif Ali Zardari, often referred to as "Mr. 10 Percent" due to past corruption allegations, rose to prominence as the widower of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated in 2007. Following her death, Zardari led the PPP to victory in the 2008 elections and became president, navigating a delicate balance with the military and opposition parties. His first term was fraught with controversies, including accusations of graft and the controversial handling of the memogate scandal, which involved alleged attempts to curb military power with U.S. assistance. Despite these challenges, Zardari completed his term in 2013, a rare feat for a civilian leader in Pakistan.

In his current role, Zardari has been instrumental in brokering coalitions, particularly after the ousting of Imran Khan's government in 2022 through a no-confidence vote. However, recent months have seen fractures in this alliance. The PPP and PML-N have clashed over issues like provincial autonomy, economic reforms, and responses to Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party's protests. Khan, currently imprisoned on various charges, has accused the establishment—including the military—of orchestrating his removal and now potentially targeting Zardari to consolidate power.

General Asim Munir's Rising Profile: Munir, a career military officer with a background in intelligence, served as Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) before his appointment as army chief. His leadership has focused on modernizing the armed forces, enhancing counter-terrorism efforts, and strengthening ties with key allies like China and Saudi Arabia. Munir has also been involved in diplomatic overtures, such as mediating talks with Afghanistan's Taliban government to address cross-border militancy. Critics, however, argue that his influence extends beyond military affairs, with allegations of the army manipulating judicial and electoral processes to favor certain political outcomes.

The possibility of Munir "taking over" does not necessarily imply a full-scale coup but could manifest as a behind-the-scenes power shift, where the military assumes greater control over policy decisions. This scenario is often described as a "soft coup" in Pakistani political discourse, where civilian facades are maintained while real authority rests with the generals. Such arrangements have been seen in the past, notably during Musharraf's rule and more recently under hybrid regimes.

Reactions from Various Stakeholders: The news has elicited mixed responses. Opposition leader Imran Khan's PTI has welcomed any move against Zardari, viewing it as vindication of their claims against the "imported government." PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan stated, "This is the beginning of the end for the corrupt elite. The people of Pakistan demand true democracy, not military puppets." On the other hand, PPP loyalists have rallied around Zardari, with party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, his son, denouncing the rumors as "baseless propaganda aimed at destabilizing the federation."

International observers are watching closely, given Pakistan's strategic importance. The United States, a key ally in counter-terrorism, has emphasized the need for democratic continuity, while China, heavily invested in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), prefers stability regardless of who is in charge. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), currently negotiating a bailout package with Pakistan, has expressed concerns that political instability could derail economic recovery efforts.

Implications for Pakistan's Future: If Zardari is indeed forced to quit, it could lead to a constitutional crisis. The president in Pakistan holds ceremonial powers but plays a crucial role in dissolving assemblies and appointing key officials. His successor would likely be chosen by the parliament, but military influence could sway the process. This shakeup might also accelerate calls for fresh elections, which have been demanded by the PTI amid allegations of rigging in the 2024 polls.

Moreover, the situation underscores the enduring civil-military imbalance in Pakistan. Analysts argue that true democratic progress requires reforms to limit military involvement in politics, such as strengthening civilian oversight of the armed forces and intelligence agencies. However, with the military controlling vast economic enterprises through entities like the Fauji Foundation, disentangling it from governance remains a formidable challenge.

In the broader context, this potential transition reflects global trends where authoritarian tendencies rise amid economic distress. Pakistan's youth, comprising a significant portion of the population, are increasingly disillusioned with traditional politics, turning to social media and protests for change. The rise of digital activism, as seen in PTI's campaigns, could either force reforms or lead to further crackdowns.

As the story unfolds, all eyes are on Islamabad. Will Zardari weather this storm, or will General Munir's shadow loom larger over the nation's destiny? The Defence Minister's cryptic assurances suggest that changes are imminent, but the exact nature remains shrouded in uncertainty. What is clear is that Pakistan's political theater continues to captivate and concern the world, with high stakes for regional stability and democratic aspirations.

The coming days will likely reveal more, as negotiations behind closed doors intensify. For now, the nation holds its breath, awaiting the next act in this enduring drama of power and survival.

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[ https://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-political-shakeup-in-pakistan-president-asif-ali-zardari-to-be-forced-to-quit-asim-munir-to-take-over-defence-minister-says-3169210 ]