Tensions Rise Inside Pakistan Army After Asim Munir’s Indefinite Extension Triggers Internal Unease

Tension is reportedly rising inside the Pakistan Army after a series of political and legal maneuvers that have effectively granted Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir an indefinite extension and unprecedented authority over the armed forces. His elevation as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) — a role that unifies command of the army, navy and air force — has reshaped Pakistan’s military structure and, according to multiple sources, triggered quiet discontent within senior ranks.

According to individuals familiar with internal discussions, Lt. Gen. Nauman Zakaria has emerged as a key figure representing the concerns of officers uneasy with Munir’s expanding influence. These sources claim that Zakaria and several senior commanders privately object to what they believe is a deliberately engineered framework that allows Munir to remain in uniform for an open-ended period. They argue that the new legal arrangements undermine the long-standing seniority system and centralise too much power in a single office.

Although these claims cannot be independently verified, their rapid spread across defence and political circles suggests growing unease inside the officer corps — an unusual development in a military known for strict internal discipline.

The government, however, continues to deny any signs of discord. Officials maintain that the reforms were necessary to modernise command structures, calling reports of rifts “politically driven speculation.” Military spokesmen have similarly dismissed the rumours, warning that hostile actors are attempting to spread “digital misinformation” to undermine the institution’s unity.

The controversy stems from the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which created the powerful CDF post and expanded Munir’s authority. This comes on top of earlier decisions to lengthen his term as Army Chief beyond the traditional three-year limit. Sources claim that senior officers view these combined changes as effectively granting a long-term or unlimited tenure, raising concerns about future promotions, succession planning and the potential imbalance of institutional power.

These tensions are unfolding against a volatile political backdrop. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has repeatedly targeted Munir from prison, accusing him of controlling civilian institutions and dominating the political system. Government allies, meanwhile, defend Munir as a stabilising figure at a time of national economic and political strain.

While there is no official confirmation of an internal split, the persistence of source-based reports, coupled with the government’s defensive posture, highlights an unusual moment of uncertainty within Pakistan’s most powerful institution. Analysts warn that even the perception of discord at the top levels of the military can have significant implications for Pakistan’s political trajectory.

For now, sources claim the discontent remains confined to private discussions, but whether these internal concerns fade or develop into a more serious challenge to Munir’s authority will determine the next chapter of Pakistan’s civil–military power balance.