Is Asim Munir Pakistan’s De-Facto Ruler? Khawaja Asif Speaks On Army's Role, Economic Woes

Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 16:32 IST

Khawaja Asif said the Army was helping the elected government in a cooperative manner, while acknowledging the economic hardships of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the Army as the most important institution of the country that is helping the political government, describing it as a ‘hybrid government’ after he was asked whether Field Marshall Asim Munir was the de facto ruler of the country.

In an interview with France 24, Asif said, “Pakistan has a history of the (military) establishment controlling governments way back in the 1950s-60s. There were times when the establishment intervened and took over the reins of power. It is not happening now."

“It is a cooperation of national institutions," he said of the Army. “Pakistan Army or the armed forces are the most important national institution. They are rendering help to the elected government. I call it a hybrid government. There is absolutely no military rule in Pakistan. He is not my boss."

Asif acknowledged the economic distress of Pakistan, saying the national economy was in complete shambles around three years ago.

Is Asim Munir Pakistan’s De Facto Ruler?

The question to Asif reflects global perception that Asim Munir is the de facto ruler of Pakistan and holds more sway than the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after Pakistan’s Assembly passed the 27th Amendment last year, granting sweeping powers to the Army Chief.

Munir was been elevated to Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces – a position that would control the army, navy and air force. The bill amends Article 243 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which states that “the Federal Government shall have control and command of the Armed Forces" and that “the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces shall vest in the President".

It also granted him the rank of Field Marshal for life, and provided him and other five-star generals legal immunity for acts that they carry out. Until now, Pakistan could at least attempt to hold its generals legally responsible for their actions in uniform.

With the army already controlling significant sectors of the economy through military-run enterprises, and now poised to secure constitutional authority over defence and nuclear command, Pakistan appeared to be transitioning from a constitutional republic to a military autocracy.

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