A king above all': The rise and rise of Asim Munir, Pakistan's increasingly powerful army chief

"Since it was penned in 1973, Pakistan's constitution has been dealt many blows. Originally a statement of democracy, it was just a matter of years before a pattern of endless constitutional amendments began, validating successive coups and military dictatorships. Yet for the past 15 years, the constitution had at least on the surface returned Pakistan to some semblance of civilian rule. That was until last month."

"As parliament rushed to pass the 27th amendment, critics and analysts widely decried it as a constitutional coup that would enshrine military dominance over Pakistan in perpetuity. There is no constitution in Pakistan now. No judiciary. No social contract. The amendment is an unforgivable crime against the country said Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the chair of the opposition alliance known as Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan. They have made one man into a king above all."

"General Asim Munir, Pakistan's army chief, was already the most powerful man in the country. Now, however, he is set to become one of the most powerful generals in the country's history, with privileges akin to those of past military dictators. Munir will oversee not just the army but also the navy and air force. His five-year term will restart, and has the possibility to be extended again, raising the prospect of him remaining in his role for at least another decade an unprecedented term."

Pakistan's 1973 constitution has been repeatedly weakened by amendments that validated coups and military dictatorships. For fifteen years the constitution had given the appearance of civilian rule. The 27th amendment was rushed through parliament and widely described as a constitutional coup that would enshrine military dominance permanently. Opponents say the amendment nullifies constitutional protections, the judiciary, and the social contract. General Asim Munir will gain control over the army, navy, and air force, restart a five-year term with possible extensions, and could remain in power for an unprecedented period. The amendment also replaces the supreme court with a government-selected constitutional court, prompting senior judicial resignations.

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