Pakistan's Military Leadership Dominates Political Landscape, Says Former Minister

Fawad Chaudhry, a former Pakistani minister, has declared that Army Chief Asim Munir is the de facto leader of Pakistan, emphasizing the military's significant role in governance. He pointed out that even US President Donald Trump acknowledged Munir's leadership while overlooking Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Chaudhry also discussed the economic challenges Pakistan faces due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, warning that the country's foreign reserves are insufficient to handle rising import costs. The ongoing tensions have further strained food security in Pakistan, particularly affecting the middle class. This article delves into the implications of military influence on Pakistan's political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 15, 2026, 22:31 IST

Military's Influence in Pakistan's Governance

On Wednesday, Fawad Chaudhry, a former minister in Pakistan, asserted that there is a consensus regarding Army Chief Asim Munir being the country's de facto leader. He emphasized that the true power lies with the military hierarchy. In a recent interview, Chaudhry pointed out that US President Donald Trump referred to Munir as the leader of Pakistan, neglecting to mention Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which he believes highlights the military's significant influence in the nation's governance.

Chaudhry stated, "There is no doubt that Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir is the de facto leader of Pakistan. The decision-making authority currently resides with the Army chief, the Field Marshal." He made these comments in light of Munir's prominent role during recent discussions held in Islamabad.

Last week, Pakistan facilitated talks between delegations from the United States and Iran, aimed at addressing the ongoing tensions between the two nations. Chaudhry expressed concern over the economic challenges facing Pakistan, noting that the repercussions of the US-Israel-Iran conflict have severely impacted the country. He warned that Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves are insufficient to manage expensive imports amidst escalating global prices.

"The conflict must conclude so that we can return to normalcy. The economic ramifications in Pakistan are significantly more severe, as the pressure on our foreign reserves makes it impossible to sustain such costly imports. With rising oil and gas prices, the middle class in Pakistan is already feeling the strain, and the situation is becoming increasingly challenging," Chaudhry remarked.

Furthermore, the ongoing tensions have disrupted the supply of fertilizers and fuel, leading to increased global food prices and jeopardizing food security, particularly for developing nations like Pakistan that rely heavily on imports.