Asim Munir

Munir was born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan in 1968 into a Punjabi family,{{cite news

|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1015127-general-asim-munir-assumes-command-of-pakistan-army

|title=General Asim Munir assumes command of the Pakistan Army

|work=The News International

|date=30 November 2022

|access-date=13 February 2024

}}{{Cite web |title=Lt General Asim Munir |url=https://ispr.gov.pk/chief-of-army-staff |website=www.ispr.gov.pk |language=en}} with their roots lying in Jalandhar, Punjab, India, from where his parents migrated following the 1947 partition of India. They moved to Toba Tek Singh before settling down in Rawalpindi's Dheri Hassanabad. His father, Syed Sarwar Munir, was the principal of the FG Technical High School, Lalkurti, Rawalpindi and the imam of a mosque, Masjid-al-Quraish, situated in a locality of Dheri Hassanabad, where he often delivered the Friday Khutbah sermon. Munir has two siblings, Syed Qasim Munir and Syed Hashim Munir. One of his brothers is a government school teacher.{{Cite web |title=From Jalandhar (India) to Rawalpindi: family profile of new Army Chief General Asim Munir |url=https://www.unewstv.com/234977/from-jalandhar-india-to-rawalpindi-family-profile-of-new-army-chief-general-asim-munir |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=UNewsTv |language=en-US |archive-date=15 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715102345/https://www.unewstv.com/234977/from-jalandhar-india-to-rawalpindi-family-profile-of-new-army-chief-general-asim-munir |url-status=live }} On 26 May 2016, Syed Qasim Munir was arrested after he hit a trolley and killed a labourer while drunk driving.{{cite news|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/27-May-2016/labourer-killed-as-drunkard-rams-car-into-trolley|title=Labourer killed as drunkard rams car into trolley|date=27 May 2016|newspaper=The Nation (Pakistan)}}{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkjQQlYPmao|title=How Syed Hafiz Qasim Munir, brother of Army Chief Gen Asim Munir killed a citizen while intoxicated|date=20 September 2024|via=YouTube|people=Ahmad Noorani}}

Munir got his early religious education in a traditional Islamic seminary in Rawalpindi, the Markazi Madrasah Dar-ul-Tajweed, in his youth also being a local cricketer as a fast bowler.{{Cite web |date=29 November 2022 |title=COAS Asim Munir played cricket in Rawalpindi's Dheri Hassanabad |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/455475-coas-asim-munir-played-cricket-in-rawalpindis-dheri-hassanabad |website=Geo News}}

Later, Munir graduated from the Fuji school Japan, the Command and Staff College, Quetta, the Malaysian Armed Forces College, Kuala Lumpur and the National Defence University, Islamabad, where he earned his MPhil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management.

Munir is from the 17th course of the Officers Training School (OTS) in Mangla. He was commissioned in the 23rd Battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment. He started his military career on 25 April 1986.

As a lieutenant colonel, Munir served in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as part of the close defence cooperation between Riyadh and Islamabad,{{Cite web |date=2022-11-24 |title=Who is Lt Gen Asim Munir? |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/676422-Who-is-Lt-Gen-Asim-Munir |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=Dunya News |language=en |archive-date=30 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730035416/https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/676422-Who-is-Lt-Gen-Asim-Munir |url-status=live }} and also served in the Siachen Glacier.

While he was a brigadier, he served as the chief of staff of Pakistan's I Strike Corps Mangla, and commanded an infantry brigade in the Northern Areas. He was promoted to the rank of Major general in 2014 and served as the commander of the troops deployed in the Northern Areas of Pakistan.

Munir also served as the director-general of Military Intelligence in 2016.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-25 |title=Gen Asim Munir is first Pak Army chief to have headed both ISI, MI |url=https://www.siasat.com/gen-asim-munir-is-first-pak-army-chief-to-have-headed-both-isi-mi-2465639/ |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=The Siasat Daily |language=en-US |archive-date=13 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213050849/https://www.siasat.com/gen-asim-munir-is-first-pak-army-chief-to-have-headed-both-isi-mi-2465639/ |url-status=live }} He was awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz in March 2018.{{Cite web |title=President confers 58 military, 73 civil awards |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/296052-president-confers-58-military-73-civil-awards |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}} Munir was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general in September 2018 and was subsequently appointed as DG ISI. In June 2019, Munir was replaced by Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed as the new DG ISI. Subsequently, Munir was appointed as corps commander of XXX Corps in Gujranwala in 2019.{{cite web | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1488673 | title=Faiz made ISI chief in military shake-up | date=17 June 2019 }} From 2021 to November 2022, Lt-General Munir was posted at GHQ as the Quartermaster General of Pakistan Army. In November 2022, Lieutenant General Munir was promoted to the four-star general rank and appointed as the Chief of the Army Staff of the Pakistan Army.

At the time of his appointment as COAS, Munir was the most senior lieutenant general of the Pakistani army. In December 2022, General Munir received the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) award from President Arif Alvi. At the Aiwan-e-Sadr, top military officials were given special investitures in front of Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif, diplomats, lawmakers, and federal ministers were present during the ceremony.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-08 |title=President Alvi confers Nishan-i-Imtiaz (military) on COAS, CJCSC |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2390092/president-alvi-confers-nishan-i-imtiaz-on-coas-cjcsc |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208130840/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2390092/president-alvi-confers-nishan-i-imtiaz-on-coas-cjcsc |url-status=live }}

Munir is the second recipient of Sword of Honour who has risen to the position of army chief in the military history of Pakistan, after Asif Nawaz Janjua. Additionally, he is the only army chief in the history of Pakistan who has earlier served as chief of both premier military intelligence agencies of Pakistan, namely, Inter-Services Intelligence and Military Intelligence.

Significantly, Asim Munir's promotion as Field Marshal makes him as first and only person to serve office of the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) with the rank of Field Marshal (five-star General), instead of (four-star General) in the history of Pakistan.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-20 |title=Here's what Gen Asim Munir's promotion to Field Marshal means |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2546903/heres-what-gen-asim-munirs-promotion-to-field-marshal-means |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2025-05-21 |title=Promoted after defeat: Why Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir was promoted to Field Marshal despite losing to India, and what it means |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/promoted-after-defeat-why-pakistan-army-chief-asim-munir-was-promoted-to-field-marshal-despite-loss-against-india-what-it-means/articleshow/121306522.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-05-21 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}{{Cite web |title=Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir promoted to field marshal |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601487/amp |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=Arab News |language=en}} Ayub Khan, who was Pakistan's first Field Marshal abandoned the office of the Chief of the Army Staff just after his promotion as Field Marshal on 27 October 1958. However, Munir continues to occupy office of the COAS as (five-star General), making his only person with such distinction.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-20 |title=Here's what Gen Asim Munir's promotion to Field Marshal means |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2546903/heres-what-gen-asim-munirs-promotion-to-field-marshal-means |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}

Munir was appointed the DG-ISI on 25 October 2018, under the tenure of Imran Khan.{{Cite web |last=Shahid |first=Kunwar Khuldune |date=2018-10-15 |title=Pakistan gets a hardline spymaster to head the ISI |url=http://asiatimes.com/2018/10/pakistan-gets-a-hardline-spy-master-to-head-the-isi/ |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Asia Times |language=en-US}} He oversaw the 2019 skirmish with India, relaying critical information between the two countries, and holding an important role. Pakistan's retaliation against India was triggered by the Munir-led committee who strongly advised Pakistan's civil-military leadership to respond to the Indian threat.{{Citation |title=Pak Army chief Asim Munir's India connection: Pulwama attack, Balakot strikes & Abhinandan | date=24 November 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j13LomF3OqE |access-date=2024-02-24 |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224223807/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j13LomF3OqE |url-status=live }}

Munir's tenure as DG-ISI is the shortest in the country's history. It is alleged Munir was removed by Qamar Javed Bajwa under pressure from Imran Khan when Munir claimed to have exposed the corruption of Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-06 |title=Imran Khan Antagonized By Gen Asim Exposing Corruption Of Bushra Bibi, Farah Gogi: Aleem Khan |url=https://www.thefridaytimes.com/2023/07/06/imran-khan-antagonized-by-gen-asim-exposing-corruption-of-bushra-bibi-farah-gogi-aleem-khan/ |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=The Friday Times |language=en |archive-date=11 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711152556/https://www.thefridaytimes.com/2023/07/06/imran-khan-antagonized-by-gen-asim-exposing-corruption-of-bushra-bibi-farah-gogi-aleem-khan/ |url-status=live }}

However, Khan called this allegation "completely false", further explaining in a post on X that "this is completely false. Neither did Gen Asim show me any proof of my wife's corruption nor did I make him resign because of that."{{Cite web |date=2023-05-21 |title='Completely false': Imran on 'rumours' about him removing COAS Munir as DG ISI in 2019 |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1754832 |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=dawn.com |language=en}}

Munir was scheduled to retire on 27 November 2022.{{cite web | url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/676412-Government-retains-Lt-General-Asim-Munir | title=Government retains Lt General Asim Munir | date=24 November 2022 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lt-gen-asim-munir-named-pakistans-new-army-chief-536997 | title=Lt Gen Asim Munir, due to retire on Nov 27, named Pakistan's new army chief | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530061508/https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lt-gen-asim-munir-named-pakistans-new-army-chief-536997 | url-status=live }} Before his appointment as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), he submitted his retirement application which was subsequently rejected by the Ministry of Defense, he was informed that the government had decided to retain him in service.{{cite news

|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/676448-President-signs-summary-to-appoint-Lt-Gen-Asim-Muni-as-new-COAS

|title=President signs summary to appoint Lt Gen Asim Munir as new COAS, Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad as CJCSC

|publisher=Dunya News

|date=24 November 2022

|access-date=19 April 2024

|quote=Gen Munir was scheduled to retire on November 27. He had submitted his retirement application to the defence ministry. However, the defence ministry did not accept the request for retirement and decided to retain Gen Munir.

|archive-date=19 April 2024

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419205205/https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/676448-President-signs-summary-to-appoint-Lt-Gen-Asim-Muni-as-new-COAS

|url-status=live

}} Following consultations between Shehbaz Sharif and his brother, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Munir was appointed the new COAS on 24 November 2022, just three days before his planned retirement. The recommendation for Munir's appointment as COAS was forwarded by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, to the then President Arif Alvi on 24 November 2022. Alvi approved it on the same day, officially extending Munir's service for a term of three years. Munir assumed the role of COAS on 29 November 2022, two days after his initially scheduled retirement.{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/general-asim-munir-takes-charge-chief-pakistans-powerful-army-2022-11-29/ | title=General Asim Munir takes charge as chief of Pakistan's powerful army | newspaper=Reuters | date=29 November 2022 }} Munir's selection as COAS was from a pool of six eligible candidates. His appointment was widely perceived as strategic.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-24 |title=Former spy chief to head Pakistan's army |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63743083 |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222170311/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63743083 |url-status=live }}

In November 2024, Asim Munir's tenure as Army Chief was extended from three to five years after Pakistan’s ruling coalition swiftly passed a bill with little debate. The controversial move sparked protests from PTI lawmakers, who accused the government of bypassing democratic processes and suppressing opposition voices. Despite the backlash, the extension secured Munir’s position until November 2027. It took 16 minutes for the senate to pass the amendment into law, which Khan's party lawmaker Omar Ayub termed as bulldozing the legislation by the ruling alliance without any debate in either house.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-04 |title=Pakistan's parliament extends army chief's term amid opposition outcry |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-parliament-extends-army-chief-term-amid-opposition-outcry/7851242.html |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Shahzad |first=Asif |date=November 4, 2024 |title=Pakistan amends law to extend powerful army chief's service tenure |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-parliament-approves-bill-extend-army-chiefs-service-tenure-2024-11-04/ |access-date=May 2, 2025 |work=Reuters}}

In May 2023, Imran Khan was arrested, when he was released on bail, Munir found himself under direct criticism from Khan, with Khan accusing him of "dismantling the future of this country [Pakistan] to protect himself."{{Cite web |title=The populist vs the general: Imran Khan takes on Pakistan's military |url=https://www.ft.com/content/ff773270-7a48-4be3-8c87-88c9b247f4e3 |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=www.ft.com|date=18 May 2023 |last1=Parkin |first1=Benjamin |last2=Bokhari |first2=Farhan }} Following the arrest of Khan, reports emerged indicating a division within the Pakistan Army.{{cite news |last1=Bagchi |first1=Dishha |title='Gutter language' — US diplomat slams Pakistan army chief over 'closed-door tirade' after 9 May violence |url=https://theprint.in/world/gutter-language-ex-us-envoy-slams-pakistan-army-chief-over-closed-door-tirade-after-9-may-violence/1583576/ |access-date=3 May 2024 |work=ThePrint |date=19 May 2023 |archive-date=21 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521161936/https://theprint.in/world/gutter-language-ex-us-envoy-slams-pakistan-army-chief-over-closed-door-tirade-after-9-may-violence/1583576/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Shaikh |first1=Farzana |title=It's no wonder that many in Pakistan now fear for the fate of Imran Khan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2023/may/10/imran-khan-pakistan-arrest-army |access-date=3 May 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=10 May 2023}}

Khan's arrest resulted in the May 9 riots, where military installations were attacked, looted, and ransacked.{{Cite web |title=Khan's supporters protest ex-PM's arrest across Pakistan |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/9/protests-erupt-in-pakistan-cities-after-imran-khan-arrest |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222170311/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/9/protests-erupt-in-pakistan-cities-after-imran-khan-arrest |url-status=live }} Munir visited the places where rioting had occurred, and vowed that such an event would never reoccur.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-22 |title=Army chief denounces May 9 mayhem as 'intolerable' |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2418015/army-chief-denounces-may-9-mayhem-as-intolerable?amp=1 |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=The Express Tribune |archive-date=22 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522232422/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2418015/army-chief-denounces-may-9-mayhem-as-intolerable?amp=1 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-05-20 |title=COAS vows no mercy for May 9 rioters and vandals |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2417738/coas-vows-no-mercy-for-may-9-rioters-and-vandals?amp=1 |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=The Express Tribune}}{{Cite web |last=Shirazi |first=Iftikhar |date=2023-05-17 |title=COAS vows 'orchestrated tragic incidents' of May 9 won't be allowed again 'at any cost' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1753903 |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Dawn |language=en |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222170313/https://www.dawn.com/news/1753903 |url-status=live }} Munir's reaction lead to the attempt of trying civilians under military courts, which received criticism from international observers as military courts are not seen as impartial and fair.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-31 |title=Pakistan: Don't Try Civilians in Military Courts |work=Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/05/31/pakistan-dont-try-civilians-military-courts |access-date=2024-02-22 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=HRW urges Pakistan to not try civilians in military courts |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/31/hrw-urges-pakistan-to-not-try-civilians-in-military-courts |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Pakistan Faces Backlash Over Plans to Try Civilians in Military Courts |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-faces-backlash-over-plans-to-try-civilians-in-military-courts-/7096185.html |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Voice of America |date=16 May 2023 |archive-date=23 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123060151/https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-faces-backlash-over-plans-to-try-civilians-in-military-courts-/7096185.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-05-16 |title=Pakistan: Civilians must not be tried under military laws |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/05/pakistan-civilians-must-not-be-tried-under-military-laws/ |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Amnesty International |language=en}}

In March 2025, Reps. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) introduced the bipartisan "Pakistan Democracy Act," seeking sanctions on Munir for persecuting political opponents, including Khan. The bill, invoking the Global Magnitsky Act, demanded sanctions within 180 days.{{Cite news |last=Zehra |first=Ailia |date=March 24, 2025 |title=New bill seeks to sanction Pakistan's army chief, free former PM Khan |url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/5211677-pakistan-democracy-act-imran-khan/ |access-date=May 2, 2025 |work=The Hill}}

Munir has been adamant on solving the economic crisis in Pakistan by setting up the Special Investment Facilitation Council, intending to bring in billions of dollars of investment from abroad, especially Pakistan's Gulf allies.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-04 |title=COAS explains to businesspeople SIFC potential |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40261369 |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Brecorder |language=en |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222170311/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40261369 |url-status=live }} As of 2024, the SIFC has failed to attract any significant investment{{cite news|url=https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/06/12/aurangzeb-tries-to-prop-up-sifc-as-foreign-investment-outlook-remains-bleak/|title=Aurangzeb tries to prop up SIFC as foreign investment outlook remains bleak|date=12 June 2024|newspaper=Pakistan Today}} while Pakistan's investment ratio plunged to its lowest level in 50 years, falling to 13.1% of the economy.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2468314|title=SIFC paints picture of unity among provinces|date=26 May 2024|newspaper=The Express Tribune}} Analyst Mosharraf Zaidi pointed out the similarities between General Munir's SIFC and General Musharraf's Corporate & Industrial Restructuring Corporation (CIRC).{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1774330|title=Analysis: COAS' consultations reveal 'blueprint for revival'|author=Khalid Hasnain|website=Dawn}} The economic crisis in 2023, led to the Pakistani rupee devaluing to its weakest in its history, valuing at 308 per dollar.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-24 |title=Dollar scales to record high, inches above 300 against PKR in interbank |url=https://arab.news/p4e64 |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Arab News |language=en}} As a measure to strengthen the rupee, he initiated crackdowns on the black market, which had been selling dollars illegally, which was harming the rupee.{{Cite news |title=Pakistan Cracks Down On Illegal Currency Markets After Rupee Falls |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-cracks-down-illegal-currency-markets/32587264.html |access-date=2024-02-22 |work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |language=en |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222170311/https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-cracks-down-illegal-currency-markets/32587264.html |url-status=live }} These crackdowns were successful, and the Pakistani rupee had rebounded to become the world's best-performing currency in September 2023.{{Cite web |last=Shan |first=Lee Ying |date=2023-10-18 |title=This currency is now the world's top performer, after rebounding from record lows |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/18/pakistani-rupee-jumps-from-record-lows-to-worlds-top-performing-fx.html |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=CNBC |language=en}}

File:Acting Deputy Secretary Nuland Meets with Pakistan Chief of Army Staff Munir - 53397993500.jpg meeting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.]]

Munir visited the United States in December 2023, being hosted by the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Charles Q. Brown, and US Deputy National Security Adviser, Jonathan Finer.{{Cite web |title=Pakistan, US 'intend to increase interaction' as Pakistani army chief visits Washington |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/pakistan-us-intend-to-increase-interaction-as-pakistani-army-chief-visits-washington/3083678 |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=www.aa.com.tr}} Munir reemphasised ties with the United States, which were under strain during former prime minister Imran Khan's premiership.{{Cite magazine |date=2024-02-05 |title=Why the U.S. Doesn't Seem to Care About Imran Khan or Pakistan's Unfair Election |url=https://time.com/6663747/pakistan-imran-khan-election-democracy-us/ |access-date=2024-02-22 |magazine=TIME |language=en |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206015744/https://time.com/6663747/pakistan-imran-khan-election-democracy-us/ |url-status=live }} The US reaffirmed Pakistan as an "ally" and expressed support for its commitments to regional security and defence cooperation.{{Cite web |last=Iqbal |first=Anwar |date=2023-12-13 |title=With COAS in Washington, US reaffirms Pakistan's 'ally' status |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1797413 |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Dawn|language=en |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222170311/https://www.dawn.com/news/1797413 |url-status=live }}

In the aftermath of the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, the Government of Pakistan promoted Munir to the rank of Field Marshal on 20 May 2025, making him the second individual in Pakistan's history to attain the rank after Ayub Khan.{{cite news|title=Pakistan promotes army chief to field marshal, 2nd since 1947|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/pakistan-promotes-army-chief-to-field-marshal-2nd-since-1947/3574203#|publisher=Anadolu Agency|date=20 May 2025|access-date=20 May 2025}} Asim Munir's promotion as Field Marshal makes him as first and only military commander in the history of Pakistan who is occupying office of the Chief of the Army Staff(COAS) with the rank of Field Marshal (five-star General), which is a historical depart from a tradition where the COAS often holds a (four-star General rank).{{Cite web |date=2025-05-21 |title=Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir promoted to Field Marshal: What this means |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/pakistan-army-chief-asim-munir-field-marshal-what-this-means-10017952/ |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2025-05-21 |title=Pakistan promotes army chief Munir to 5-star rank of Field Marshal for 'crushing enemy' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-promotes-army-chief-munir-to-5-star-rank-of-field-marshal-for-crushing-enemy/articleshow/121300334.cms |access-date=2025-05-21 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |title=Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir Elevated to Field Marshal Rank |url=https://thewire.in/south-asia/pakistan-army-chief-asim-munir-field-marshal |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=The Wire |language=en}} Ayub Khan, who was Pakistan's first Field Marshal abandoned office of the Chief of the Army Staff just after his promotion as Field Marshal.

The elevation was approved unanimously by the federal cabinet in recognition of his leadership during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, which the government credited with repelling Indian aggression and ensuring national security. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the military operation as a "remarkable success" and commended Munir's "exemplary courage and resolve".On 16 May 2025, he declared the day to be observed annually as Youm-e-Tashakur ("Day of Gratitude") following the conclusion of the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Munir dedicated the honour to the people of Pakistan, the armed forces, and particularly to the martyrs and veterans.{{cite news|title=Govt elevates COAS Asim Munir as Field Marshal|url= https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/885100-govt-elevates-coas-asim-munir-as-field-marshal|access-date=20 May 2025|publisher=Dunya News|date=20 May 2025}}

Munir is a Muslim, and he is deemed as a conservative figure regarding religion.{{Cite web |last=Kugelman |first=Michael |date=2024-01-01 |title=Pakistan's Army Chief Comes to Washington |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/12/13/pakistan-army-chief-visit-washington-asim-munir/ |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}} Munir's family are locally known as a hafiz family, as its many members are known to have memorized the entire Quran by heart, including Munir, who did so during his posting in Saudi Arabia as a Lieutenant-Colonel.{{Cite web |last=Johny |first=Stanly |date=27 November 2022 |title=Syed Asim Munir: The spymaster-turned-Army chief |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/syed-asim-munir-the-spymaster-turned-army-chief/article66188878.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=13 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213203027/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/syed-asim-munir-the-spymaster-turned-army-chief/article66188878.ece |url-status=live }} He is the first army chief in Pakistan's history to have memorized the entire Qur'an.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-07 |title=PM Sharif, Gen. Munir among several Pakistanis make it to list of 500 Most Influential Muslims for 2025 |url=https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2585584/pakistan |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Arab News PK |language=en}}

Munir is known for his interest in physical fitness and athletics, and is regarded as an enthusiastic runner. He is also considered an avid reader and enjoys traveling.{{Cite web |title=COAS pick: Lt Gen Asim Munir — a brief profile |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1013247-lt-gen-asim-munir-a-brief-profile |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218121239/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1013247-lt-gen-asim-munir-a-brief-profile |archive-date=18 December 2022 |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=A brief look at General Asim Munir's career |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/454445-a-brief-look-at-lt-gen-asim-munirs-career |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en}}

He has stressed the need for combating against Islamic extremism, providing a safe nation for Pakistan's religious minorities.{{Cite web |title=Army chief meets religious scholars, says no space for extremism against minorities in Pakistan |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2410641/amp |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Arab News |language=en |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228194255/https://www.arabnews.com/node/2410641/amp |url-status=live }}

Munir's foreign policy, or "the Munir doctrine", has been described as trying to shift away from the traditional choice between the United States and China as a primary geopolitical partner, and centred around three key points: to have a softer image of Pakistan, to transform it into a regional middle power, especially as a security actor, and to prioritize geoeconomics over geopolitics.{{Cite web |last=Sulehria |first=Naad-e-Ali |date=14 December 2023 |title=Pakistan's military and foreign policy under Gen. Asim Munir |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/pakistans-military-and-foreign-policy-under-gen-asim-munir |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125191543/https://www.mei.edu/publications/pakistans-military-and-foreign-policy-under-gen-asim-munir |archive-date=25 January 2024 |access-date= |website=Middle East Institute}}

He has been critical of Pakistan's neighbours, arguing that Afghanistan did not support Pakistan's admission to the United Nations following independence and has historically supported the insurgency in Balochistan. Regarding India, he stated that "India has not reconciled with the concept of Pakistan, then how can we reconcile with them?"{{Cite web |date=25 January 2024 |title=COAS sets out foreign policy redlines |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454331/coas-sets-out-foreign-policy-redlines |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125191404/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454331/coas-sets-out-foreign-policy-redlines |archive-date=25 January 2024 |access-date= |website=The Express Tribune}}

Munir is described as having a "Pakistan first" policy,{{Cite web |date=2024-02-05 |title=General Asim Munir: Torch-bearer of 'Pakistan first' policy |url=https://pakobserver.net/general-asim-munir-torch-bearer-of-pakistan-first-policy/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=Pakistan Observer |language=en-US |archive-date=23 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223185044/https://pakobserver.net/general-asim-munir-torch-bearer-of-pakistan-first-policy/ |url-status=live }} taking a defensive stance against many of Pakistan's adversaries. After the 2024 Iran–Pakistan border skirmishes, Munir reiterated that Pakistan would respond to such altercations, stating that "You [Iran] cannot backstab us, and if you do, you will get a befitting reply."

Munir is also regarded as carrying a heavy anti-Afghan attitude, supporting the mass deportation of 1.7 million illegal Afghan refugees.

He has also stated that Pakistan should be prioritised over Afghanistan, even stating that "when it comes to the safety and security of every single Pakistani, the whole of Afghanistan can be damned."{{Cite news |last=Rahmati |first=Fidel |date=2024-01-25 |title=Pakistan's Army Chief: One Pakistani life matters more than all of Afghanistan |url=https://www.khaama.com/pakistans-army-chief-one-pakistani-life-matters-more-than-all-of-afghanistan/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |work=Khaama Press |language=en-US}}

While speaking to a gathering of students from various public and private sector universities of the country, Munir appeared as a social conservative, warning the youth against social media and Westernization, eventually asking that "If we want to adopt Western civilization, then why did we get rid of Hindu civilization?".{{Cite web |last=Rana |first=Shahbaz |date=24 January 2024 |title=Elected govt doesn't get a free pass: COAS |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454258/coas-munir-warns-youth-against-pitfalls-of-social-media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125191509/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454258/coas-munir-warns-youth-against-pitfalls-of-social-media |archive-date=25 January 2024 |access-date= |website=The Express Tribune}}

In May 2024, Munir expressed concerns regarding "negative propaganda" on social media platforms and affirmed the military's readiness to address any threats or conspiracies. He also strongly denounced the dissemination of "disinformation" in Pakistan's cyberspace.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's army chief speaks out against 'negative propaganda' on social media platforms |url=https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2447396/pakistan |access-date=2 May 2024 |work=Arab News PK |date=24 January 2024 |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502202853/https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2447396/pakistan |url-status=live }} Munir emphasized that the military understands its constitutional boundaries, and he urged others to also abide by the limits outlined in the constitution. He pointed to Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which delineates restrictions on freedom of expression, including the prohibition of incitement to violence and attempts to undermine the integrity, security, or defense of Pakistan, among other provisions.{{cite news

|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2464862/army-well-aware-of-constitutional-limits-expect-same-from-others-coas

|title=Army well aware of constitutional limits, expect same from others: COAS

|publisher=The Express Tribune

|date=2 May 2024

|access-date=2 May 2024

}}{{cite book

|title=The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R3m5zgEACAAJ

|date=9 September 2021

|publisher=Creative Media Partners, LLC

|isbn=978-1-01-402712-2

}}

In November 2024, a statement from state broadcaster PTV recorded Munir as saying "Unrestricted freedom of speech is leading to the degradation of moral values in all societies." He further said "[w]hile technology has enhanced access to knowledge, it has also facilitated the rapid spread of misinformation and hateful narratives, destabilizing political and social structures globally".{{Cite web |date=2024-11-15 |title=Unrestricted freedom of speech contributing to moral degradation: COAS Munir |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40332711/unrestricted-freedom-of-speech-contributing-to-moral-degradation-coas-munir |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Brecorder |language=en |archive-date=15 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241115155859/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40332711/unrestricted-freedom-of-speech-contributing-to-moral-degradation-coas-munir |url-status=live }}

In April 2024, Munir warned that negative propaganda and social media trolls would not be able to deter them.{{cite news |title=Negative propaganda and social media trolls can't deter us: Army chief |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/27-Apr-2024/negative-propaganda-and-social-media-trolls-can-t-deter-us-army-chief |access-date=8 August 2024 |work=The Nation |date=27 April 2024 |archive-date=8 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708085519/https://www.nation.com.pk/27-Apr-2024/negative-propaganda-and-social-media-trolls-can-t-deter-us-army-chief |url-status=live }} In May 2024, he cautioned that "inimical" forces and their supporters had unleashed "digital terrorism" and were intensifying efforts to sow discord between the Pakistan Armed Forces and the public by spreading "lies, fake news, and propaganda."{{cite news |title='Digital terrorism' trying to create void between public, military, warns Pakistan's army chief |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/-digital-terrorism-trying-to-create-void-between-public-military-warns-pakistans-army-chief/3215013 |access-date=8 August 2024 |work=www.aa.com.tr |date=9 May 2024 |archive-date=8 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808200304/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/-digital-terrorism-trying-to-create-void-between-public-military-warns-pakistans-army-chief/3215013 |url-status=live }}

In August 2024, Munir warned that social media was being exploited to propagate "anarchy." His remarks that "Anarchy is spread through social media" followed a condemnation by the ISPR of social media campaigns to target the Pakistan Armed Forces.{{cite news |title=Anarchy is spread through social media: COAS Munir |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1850918/anarchy-is-spread-through-social-media-coas-munir |access-date=8 August 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=8 August 2024 |language=en}} He also issued a warning against efforts to incite chaos within the country. The Tribune (India) highlighted that his comments followed social media posts drawing parallels between Pakistan's current situation and the downfall of Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's Army Chief Gen Asim Munir warns against attempts to create Bangladesh-type chaos |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/pakistans-army-chief-gen-asim-munir-warns-against-attempts-to-create-bangladesh-type-chaos/ |access-date=8 August 2024 |work=The Tribune (India) |date=8 August 2024 |archive-date=8 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808201806/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/pakistans-army-chief-gen-asim-munir-warns-against-attempts-to-create-bangladesh-type-chaos/ |url-status=live }}

On August 14, while addressing a parade on country's Independence Day, Munir reiterated his criticism of social media, warning that it was being used to spread chaos and false information targeting the Pakistan Armed Forces. He also attributed this "digital terrorism" to foreign elements.{{cite news |title=Army chief General Asim Munir sees foreign hand in 'digital terrorism' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1852174/army-chief-general-asim-munir-sees-foreign-hand-in-digital-terrorism |access-date=14 August 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=14 August 2024 |language=en |archive-date=14 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814042440/https://www.dawn.com/news/1852174/army-chief-general-asim-munir-sees-foreign-hand-in-digital-terrorism |url-status=live }}

On 21 August, Munir stated that it is the state's duty to shield the public from the adverse effects of social media-driven "hysteria" and "fitna." Dawn reported that this statement was part of a series of warnings from Munir and the Pakistani military concerning the potential "dangers" with social media.{{cite news |title=State responsibility to protect public from social media's negative implications, army chief says |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1853768/state-responsibility-to-protect-public-from-social-medias-negative-implications-army-chief-says |access-date=21 August 2024 |work=dawn.com |date=21 August 2024 |language=en |archive-date=21 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821142214/https://www.dawn.com/news/1853768/state-responsibility-to-protect-public-from-social-medias-negative-implications-army-chief-says |url-status=live }}

On April 17, 2025, Munir publicly endorsed the two-nation theory, saying: {{blockquote|text=Our forefathers thought we are different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religions are different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different. That was the foundation of the two-nation theory that was laid there. We are two nations, we are not one nation.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-17 |title=Pakistan Army Chief Rakes Kashmir, Says 'We're Different From Hindus' |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-army-chief-rakes-kashmir-says-we-re-different-from-hindus-1765758 |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=news.abplive.com |language=en}}}}On April 26, 2025, Munir reiterated his views on the two-nation theory while speaking at a passing out parade ceremony at the Pakistan Military Academy, saying, "the two-nation theory was based on the fundamental belief that Muslims and Hindus are two separate nations, not one."{{Cite web |date=2025-04-26 |title=Pakistan knows how to defend sacrifices of its founder: Army Chief |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2542399/pakistan-knows-how-to-defend-sacrifices-of-its-founder-army-chief |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}

In an interview with Farhat Javed Rabani of BBC Urdu, Joshua T. White of Johns Hopkins University described Munir's speech—emphasising religious identity and invoking the two-nation theory—as unusually provocative in tone, though aligned with Pakistan's ideological stance. He noted that its delivery just days before the 2025 Pahalgam attack complicated Pakistan's diplomatic posture by undermining claims of restraint. Abdul Basit of Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies observed that while the speech may have reflected an emotionally charged moment, it was also interpreted as an assertion of authority, signalling that the military remained firmly in control. The BBC report noted that no direct link was established between the speech and the attack, though the timing fuelled regional tensions and speculation.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-01 |title=پہلگام، ٹکراؤ کی پالیسی اور جنرل عاصم منیر کا امتحان |url=https://www.bbc.com/urdu/articles/c8dgn8m3yv7o |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=BBC News اردو |language=ur}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-30 |title=Asim Munir: Pakistan army chief's Kashmir remarks cause anger in India |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c39j3p14mg4o |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}

Munir has been accused of intervening in civil politics,{{Cite news |title=Pakistan's army is back in charge of politics |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/08/10/pakistans-army-is-back-in-charge-of-politics |access-date=2023-12-02 |issn=0013-0613}} despite only being trusted with the nation's security and defence.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-08 |title=Imran Khan's supporters are silenced but determined |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66436731 |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}} Munir has also allegedly suppressed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf political party led by Imran Khan.{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/02/12/pakistans-voters-tell-the-generals-where-to-put-it|title=Pakistan's voters tell the generals where to put it|newspaper=The Economist|date=12 February 2024}} In the aftermath of May 9 riots, following the arrest of Imran Khan on corruption allegations, Munir used military courts for civilians who rebelled against the army.{{Cite web |title=Imran Khan alleges 'reign of terror' as supporters face trial in military courts |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/19/pakistan-thousands-imran-khan-supporters-arrested-hundreds-face-trial |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=The Guardian|date=19 May 2023 |last1=Baloch |first1=Shah Meer |last2=Ellis-Petersen |first2=Hannah }}

On May 20, 2023, Munir announced that the "legal process of trial against planners, instigators, abettors and perpetrators involved in the May 9 tragedy has commenced under Pakistan Army Act and Official Secret Act".{{cite web|url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/undermining-justice-court-martialing-civilians-pakistan|publisher=Wilson Center|title=Undermining Justice: Court-Martialing Civilians in Pakistan|date=2023-05-05|accessdate=2023-10-25|archive-date=27 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827235059/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/undermining-justice-court-martialing-civilians-pakistan|url-status=live}} Furthermore, Munir exhorted army professionals to root out PTI inclined individuals.{{cite web|url=https://stratnewsglobal.com/articles/pak-army-chief-asim-munir-to-invoke-army-act-to-dock-masterminds-of-may-9-revolt/|publisher=StratNews Global |title= Pak Army Chief Asim Munir To Invoke Army Act To Dock Masterminds Of May 9 Revolt |date=2023-06-08 |accessdate=2023-10-25}} Human rights organizations raised the concerns that military trials lack the necessary safeguards and transparency, thereby exposing to the risk of potential miscarriages of justice.{{cite web|url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/undermining-justice-court-martialing-civilians-pakistan|publisher=Wilson Center|title=Undermining Justice: Court-Martialing Civilians in Pakistan|date=2023-06-05|accessdate=2023-10-25|archive-date=27 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827235059/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/undermining-justice-court-martialing-civilians-pakistan|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1759648 |title= HRCP concerned at NA resolution for trials in military courts |date=2023-06-14 |accessdate=2023-10-25}} In a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court of Pakistan declared the trial of civilians in military courts as null and void, thereby drawing a legal line between the civilian and military domain.{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1783244/sc-strikes-down-military-justice-for-civilians|publisher=Dawn News|title=SC strikes down 'military justice' for civilians|date=2023-10-24|accessdate=2023-10-25|archive-date=6 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206012801/https://www.dawn.com/news/1783244/sc-strikes-down-military-justice-for-civilians|url-status=live}}

In addition, he has also been criticised for the deportation of illegal Afghan refugees, which he condones,{{Cite web |date=2023-10-26 |title='Security of every Pakistani important': Army chief Gen Munir amid imminent deportation of migrants |url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/security-of-every-pakistani-important-army-chief-gen-munir-amid-imminent-deportation-of-migrants-13303202.html/amp |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=Firstpost |language=en}} despite their tough conditions.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-28 |title=Pakistan: Widespread Abuses Force Afghans to Leave |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/11/28/pakistan-widespread-abuses-force-afghans-leave |access-date=2023-12-02 |language=en |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202014332/https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/11/28/pakistan-widespread-abuses-force-afghans-leave |url-status=live }}

In June 2024, American Congressman Ro Khanna condemned the targeting of family members of pro-democracy American activists in Pakistan by military personnel and called for sanctions against Pakistani military leaders, including Munir.

On 4 November 2024, Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at Washington's Wilson Center, described the extension of Munir's tenure as army chief as a move that strengthens "the most powerful post in Pakistan." He warned on X that "when a legislature is reduced to a rubber stamp, democracy is never a winner."

On 24 April 2025, following the 2025 Pahalgam attack, Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official, described Munir as a "terrorist" comparing him to the late Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden. He said, "the only difference between Osama Bin Laden and Asim Munir is that Osama Bin Laden lived in a cave and Asim Munir lives in a palace".{{Cite web |title="Can Put Lipstick On Pig, But...": Ex-US Official Slams Pak Over J&K Attack |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/ex-us-officials-osama-bin-laden-pakistan-army-chief-parallel-over-pahalgam-attack-8241370 |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=NDTV |language=en}} He referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and reiterated ‘two-nation theory’, and is widely seen as a catalyst for the violence. He is alleged to be the mastermind behind the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. His provocative speeches shortly before the Pahalgam attack have been linked to inciting terrorism in Kashmir.

Munir’s visit to U.S. President Donald Trump drew criticism over its impact on Pakistan’s democratic process and civil-military balance. Analysts such as Raza Ahmad Rumi of the City University of New York argued that the meeting validated a military-to-military track in U.S.-Pakistan relations while bypassing the civilian government, thereby undermining efforts toward democratic consolidation. Rumi cautioned that such developments reinforced the perception of military dominance in national decision-making, characterizing the reset in ties as one where “khaki once again trumps ballot.” Arif Ansar, chief strategist at PoliTact, similarly argued that Munir’s meeting with the U.S. president signaled the military’s continued dominance in Pakistan. He warned that past military-led diplomacy had caused serious political, economic, and security repercussions, fostering a culture of decision-making without public input and deepening societal disillusionment.{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=Trump's Pakistan embrace: 'Tactical romance' or a new 'inner circle'? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/19/trumps-pakistan-embrace-tactical-romance-or-a-new-inner-circle |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

On his appointment as COAS, Al-Jazeera's Abid Hussain described Munir as an officer with an "impeccable reputation" within the Pakistani military, while The Times of India described him as a "tough guy" for his hawkish attitude.{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=Who is Asim Munir, Pakistan's new army chief? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/24/who-is-asim-munir-pakistans-new-army-chief |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en |archive-date=13 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113011310/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/24/who-is-asim-munir-pakistans-new-army-chief |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Sharan |first=Sunil |title=Asim Munir: The tough guy who became Pakistani army chief |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/strategic-insights/asim-munir-the-tough-guy-who-became-pakistani-army-chief/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011193830/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/strategic-insights/asim-munir-the-tough-guy-who-became-pakistani-army-chief/ |url-status=live }}

In 2025, Munir, was recognized among the world's 500 most influential Muslims by The Muslim 500, an annual publication by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Amman, Jordan.

On 19 May 2023, Zalmay Khalilzad alleged on Twitter that during his visit to the Sialkot Cantonment, where several military installations were targeted in the May 9 riots, Munir issued threats against senior officers. Khalilzad claimed that Munir warned the families of those who participated in the riots, stating that if he "goes down he will take others down with him".

Subsequently, Khalilzad faced criticism from Pakistani government and various politicians who labeled his remarks as controversial and false. Various people, including senators and defence analysts, challenged him on his claims, and asked him for evidence. The United States Department of State then clarified that Khalilzad did not represent American foreign policy.{{cite news|last1=Ali|first1=Shafqat|title=Zalmay Khalilzad rebuked, told to mind his own business|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/20-May-2023/zalmay-khalilzad-rebuked-told-to-mind-his-own-business|access-date=3 May 2024|work=The Nation|date=20 May 2023|archive-date=21 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521121943/https://www.nation.com.pk/20-May-2023/zalmay-khalilzad-rebuked-told-to-mind-his-own-business|url-status=live}}

On 7 April 2024, Imran Khan, speaking to reporters while incarcerated, claimed that there was a conspiracy to assassinate him during his imprisonment and implied that "his fate was in the hands of Gen. Asim Munir". He stated "Let it be known that if anything happens to me or my wife, it'll be him who will be responsible."{{cite news |title=Chuck Schumer Privately Warns Pakistan: Don't Kill Imran Khan in Prison |url=https://theintercept.com/2024/04/23/chuck-schumer-imran-khan-prison-pakistan/ |access-date=24 April 2024 |work=The Intercept |date=23 April 2024}} Khan alleged that his wife, Bushra Bibi had been poisoned during her incarceration in early 2024, however, according to her personal physician, no evidence of poisoning was found during medical checkup.{{cite news |date=5 April 2024 |title=No Evidence of Bushra Bibi Being Poisoned, Says Personal Physician |url=https://www.news18.com/world/no-evidence-of-bushra-bibi-being-poisoned-says-personal-physician-8840882.html |access-date=6 April 2024 |work=News18 |language=en}}{{cite news |date=5 April 2024 |title=No evidence that Pakistan's ex-PM Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi was poisoned in jail: Medical Report |url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/pakistans-imran-khan-wife-bushra-bibi-poisoning-13756530.html |access-date=6 April 2024 |work=Firstpost |language=en-us}}

Khan also alleged that a "London plan" had been devised between Munir and Nawaz Sharif,{{cite news |date=6 April 2024 |title=Imran compares current political climate to that of East Pakistan |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461868/imran-compares-current-political-climate-to-that-of-east-pakistan |access-date=6 April 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=6 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406130131/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461868/imran-compares-current-political-climate-to-that-of-east-pakistan |url-status=live }} aimed at sidelining the PTI and resolving the legal cases against Sharif.{{cite news |date=15 January 2024 |title=SC is executing London Plan: Imran |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453346/sc-is-executing-london-plan-imran |access-date=6 April 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407092444/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453346/sc-is-executing-london-plan-imran |url-status=live }} On 17 April, Imran Khan blamed Munir for the incarceration of his wife, and said, "If anything happens to her, I will not leave Asim Munir, I will not leave Asim Munir as long as I am alive. I will expose his unconstitutional and illegal steps." Bibi was found guilty in a corruption trial and also for unlawfully marrying Khan, each by separate courts. Instead of serving her sentence in Adiala Jail, she was permitted to serve it at her residence in Bani Gala, Islamabad.{{cite news |title='As Long As ...': Jailed Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan Warns Army Chief Over Wife's Detention |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/world/asia/as-long-as-jailed-ex-pak-pm-imran-khan-warns-army-chief-over-wifes-detention-article-109381779 |access-date=17 April 2024 |work=TimesNow |date=17 April 2024 |language=en |archive-date=17 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417183254/https://www.timesnownews.com/world/asia/as-long-as-jailed-ex-pak-pm-imran-khan-warns-army-chief-over-wifes-detention-article-109381779 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title="If Anything Happens To My Wife...": Ex Pak PM Imran Khan Warns Army Chief |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/if-anything-happens-to-my-wife-ex-pak-pm-imran-khan-warns-army-chief-5463852 |access-date=17 April 2024 |work=NDTV.com |date=17 April 2024}}

On 2 May, Khan conveyed through an article for The Daily Telegraph, that while incarcerated, the military establishment, led directly by Munir, employed various tactics to diminish his party's influence within Pakistan's political landscape. He stated that "the military establishment has done all they could against me. All that is left for them is to now murder me."{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Imran |title=All that's left for them now is to murder me – but I'm not afraid to die |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/05/02/imran-khan-pakistan-jail-not-afraid-die-general-asim-munir/ |access-date=2 May 2024 |work=The Telegraph |date=2 May 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Farmer |first1=Ben |title=Exclusive: Imran Khan hits out at 'laughing stock' government from his prison cell |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/05/02/imran-khan-hits-out-laughing-stock-pakistan-from-prison/ |access-date=2 May 2024 |work=The Telegraph |date=2 May 2024}}

In June 2024, Khan accused Munir of violating an agreement to stay politically neutral in Pakistani politics and claimed that Munir's appointment as army chief was contingent on this neutrality, which then President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi could have blocked but didn't after Munir's promise. Khan also alleged a conspiracy between Munir and Nawaz Sharif, suggesting they cooperated against him in exchange for dropping corruption charges against Sharif, which led to Sharif's exile.{{cite news |last1=Grim |first1=Ryan |last2=Hussain |first2=Murtaza |title=From Prison, Imran Khan Says Top Pakistani General Betrayed Secret Deal to Stay Out of Politics |url=https://theintercept.com/2024/06/27/imran-khan-pakistan-asim-munir-secret-deal/ |access-date=11 July 2024 |work=The Intercept |date=27 June 2024 |archive-date=11 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711154519/https://theintercept.com/2024/06/27/imran-khan-pakistan-asim-munir-secret-deal/ |url-status=live }}

Khan also accused Munir of ordering Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agents to assassinate him and covering up these attempts by suppressing a police investigation and burying CCTV footage from a court appearance in March 2023 during a violent confrontation between his supporters and authorities.{{cite news |last1=Goldbaum |first1=Christina |last2=Masood |first2=Salman |title=Chaos Breaks Out as Imran Khan Makes Court Appearance |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/18/world/asia/imran-khan-pakistan-court.html |access-date=11 July 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=18 March 2023}} Khan also criticized Munir for allegedly obstructing an independent investigation into the attempted assassination in November 2022.

In his 2020 book, The Battle for Pakistan, Shuja Nawaz stated that Munir "was reported to have been behind the sacking of a high court judge who had been critical of the ISI."{{Cite book |last=Nawaz |first=Shuja |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Gk_VDwAAQBAJ |title=The Battle for Pakistan |date=10 April 2020 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers |isbn=9781538142059 |location=Maryland, United States of America |pages=263 |quote= More importantly in the context of the civil-military tensions, he was reported to have been behind the sacking of a high court judge who had been critical of the ISI.|language=English}} However, Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui clarified that his removal occurred before Munir's appointment as ISI head and attributed his sacking to former Chief Justices Saqib Nisar and Asif Saeed Khosa, and then-DG-C ISI Major General Faiz Hameed. Siddiqui stated that Shuja Nawaz's account was incorrect and emphasized that Munir was not involved in his dismissal.{{cite news |title=Justice Shaukat Siddiqui clarifies Lt Gen Asim Munir wasn't behind his sacking |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1014267-justice-shaukat-siddiqui-clarifies-lt-gen-asim-munir-wasn-t-behind-his-sacking |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=The News International |date=27 November 2022 |language=en}}

Reportedly, Ahmad Noorani "reported" Munir for allegedly doing nepotism, assigning his associates with key appointments.{{Cite web |last=Chakraborty |first=Debdutta |date=2025-03-20 |title=Pakistan journalist says brothers abducted, tortured after his 'nepotism' report on army chief |url=https://theprint.in/world/pakistan-journalist-says-brothers-abducted-tortured-after-his-nepotism-report-on-army-chief/2557224/ |access-date=2025-07-05 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}} Following these revelations, Noorani's family home in Islamabad was stormed at 1:00 AM on 19 March 2025 by around 20 armed men claiming to be police. According to Noorani, all of them wore masks and were mainly in civilian clothing, while only a few were dressed like army commandos. They seized phones, deleted videos taken by the family, and forcibly took Noorani's two brothers, who are both engineers, to an unknown location. The family has heard nothing since. Reporters Without Borders reported that local police have denied any involvement.{{cite web|url=https://rsf.org/en/pakistan-rsf-demands-immediate-release-journalist-ahmad-noorani-s-brothers-forcibly-disappeared|title=Pakistan: RSF demands immediate release of journalist Ahmad Noorani's brothers, forcibly disappeared in reprisal for his reporting|date=21 March 2025|publisher=Reporters Without Borders}}{{cite news|url=https://cpj.org/2025/03/exiled-pakistani-journalists-brothers-abducted-another-journalist-disappears/|title=Exiled Pakistani journalist's brothers 'abducted,' another journalist disappears|date=20 March 2025|website=Committee to Protect Journalists}}

In mid‑April 2025, during an address to overseas Pakistanis, General Asim Munir reaffirmed the Two-nation theory, declaring: “Our religion is different. Our customs are different. Our traditions are different. Our thoughts are different. Our ambitions are different… That was the foundation of the Two‑Nation Theory.”{{cite news |title=Our ambitions, traditions, customs different from Hindus: Pakistan Army chief Munir replays Two‑Nation Theory |work=The New Indian Express |date=17 April 2025 }} These remarks were widely reported in South Asian media and noted for their emphasis on communal differentiation.

On 3 June 2025, India's Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, publicly accused Munir of having “spewed venom against Hindus” in the weeks leading up to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.{{cite news |title=Asim Munir spewed venom against Hindus weeks before Pahalgam attack: CDS Gen Chauhan |work=The Times of India |date=3 June 2025 }} Chauhan linked this rhetoric to escalating cross-border tensions and cited it as part of India's official response to the attack.

Critics argue these statements reflect an increasingly religious-nationalist tone in Munir's public discourse, suggesting a departure from traditional military restraint. Supporters, conversely, characterize the remarks as an assertion of Pakistan's founding ideological principles.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's bellicose army chief is playing with fire |work=Financial Times |date=7 May 2025 }}

Other awards he won are:

• Sword of Honor

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{commons-inline}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-mil}}

{{s-bef|before= Qamar Javed Bajwa}}

{{s-ttl|title=Chief of Army Staff|}}

{{s-aft|after=TBD|}}

{{end}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-mil}}

{{s-bef|before=Naveed Mukhtar}}

{{s-ttl|title=Director General Inter-Services Intelligence|}}

{{s-aft|after=Faiz Hameed}}

{{end}}

{{Inter-Services Intelligence}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shah, Syed Asim Munir}}

Category:Living people

Category:Military personnel from Rawalpindi

Category:Chiefs of Army Staff, Pakistan

Category:Directors General of Inter-Services Intelligence

Category:Pakistani generals

Category:Frontier Force Regiment officers

Category:20th-century Pakistani military personnel

Category:Pakistan Army personnel

Category:21st-century Pakistani military personnel

Category:Pakistani expatriates in Malaysia

Category:National Defence University, Pakistan alumni

Category:Graduates of the Staff College, Quetta

Category:Academic staff of Pakistan Military Academy

Category:Pakistani expatriates in Japan

Category:Recipients of Hilal-i-Imtiaz

Category:Recipients of Nishan-e-Imtiaz

Category:Spymasters

Category:Date of birth missing (living people)

Category:Place of birth missing (living people)

Category:1968 births

Category:Field marshals