Military Over Politics: Pakistan's Power Dynamics Unveiled

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh criticizes Pakistan's power imbalance as Army Chief Asim Munir meets US President, sidelining PM Shehbaz Sharif. Singh calls it an embarrassment and highlights military dominance in economic decisions, showcasing a skewed power relationship. The scenario reflects shifting dynamics in Pakistan's leadership landscape.

In a recent interview, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh scrutinized the internal power dynamics in Pakistan, notably highlighting the embarrassment of having Army Chief Asim Munir meet US President Donald Trump instead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The rare occurrence underscores where the actual power resides within the Pakistani political spectrum.

Singh expressed astonishment at Asim Munir's involvement in Pakistan's Special Investment Facilitation Council, signaling the military's undue influence over economic decisions. He pointed out the structural imbalance in the nation, where military priorities often overshadow pressing social and economic needs, leveraging resources from a $370 billion economy.

Singh described the situation of Munir's potential promotion to Field Marshal as both bemusing and incredulous, reflecting on the ongoing peculiarities within Pakistani governance. With the Pakistani Army Chief's conspicuous presence in major meetings and the Prime Minister's absence, Singh emphasized the skewed power alignment, marking a significant shift in the country's leadership dynamics.

(With inputs from agencies.)