Army Chief’s Actions Raise Questions About Pakistan’s Power Structure

The viral video depicting Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir, instructing Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to relocate during a meeting has ignited a debate regarding the distribution of power in Pakistan. The footage, reportedly taken in Doha, shows Munir interacting with the Iranian President before signaling Dar to change seats so that he, Munir, could sit next to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Ishaq Dar, who also holds the portfolio of Foreign Minister, is considered the second most senior minister in Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet, ranking third in the government hierarchy after the President and Prime Minister. The video has prompted considerable discussion, with some observers suggesting that Munir is the true power behind the throne. The incident raises questions about the civilian government’s autonomy and the extent of the military’s influence in Pakistani politics.