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First Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
Is Sharif handing over Pakistan's political keys to Munir?
Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir is stepping into an increasingly visible leadership role, from co-chairing investment councils to joining Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on diplomatic visits. With a rare promotion to field marshal and growing military sway over governance, is Pakistan witnessing a shift in power from elected officials to the military brass? read more Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan meets with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul, Turkey, May 25, 2025. Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir can be seen sitting to the left of Sharif. Presidential Press Office via Reuters It is increasingly visible now that recent developments have placed Pakistan's military at the forefront of both governance and international engagement. At the centre of this shift is Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, who has emerged as a towering presence beside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — not only in strategic affairs but also on the diplomatic front. From a rare appearance alongside the premier in foreign meetings to being the recipient of a historic military promotion, Munir's expanding role has raised serious questions about the direction of Pakistan's civil-military relationship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On May 25, Sharif landed in Istanbul to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as part of a broader official tour aimed at consolidating relations with allies. Sharif's agenda included discussions on regional security, economic cooperation, and counter-terrorism. However, what stood out most was his decision to include Pakistan's military chief, Field Marshal Munir, in his diplomatic entourage. In a highly unusual protocol move, Sharif introduced Munir to Erdoğan during the high-level talks. Also present were Turkish officials including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. This development attracted attention for its implications — in Pakistan, military leaders do not typically accompany the prime minister on official foreign visits, making this an extraordinary step. Erdoğan's office issued a statement noting that Turkey and Pakistan were committed to enhancing collaboration, particularly in the fields of defence, energy, and transportation. The Turkish side also highlighted the importance of solidarity in education, intelligence cooperation, and technological exchanges to combat terrorism. Erdoğan reiterated Ankara's desire to deepen ties with Islamabad, stating that it was in both countries' strategic interests to coordinate closely. How Turkey sided with Pakistan during recent tensions with India The visit to Turkey comes on the heels of heightened regional tensions between Pakistan and India. The situation escalated following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, in which 26 civilians lost their lives. India responded with Operation Sindoor — a series of retaliatory military actions on terror targets. Pakistan, in turn, launched its own military response, reportedly under the codename 'Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.' In this context, the Turkish government publicly supported Pakistan's position . Erdoğan's earlier show of solidarity had even prompted informal boycotts of Turkish goods in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Notably, Turkish military presence in Pakistan also grew more visible during this period, with a C-130 Hercules aircraft landing in Karachi on April 27 and a Turkish Ada-class anti-submarine corvette docking at the Karachi port on May 2. While Turkish officials stated these were routine defence activities, reports pointed to the use of Turkish-made drones by Pakistani forces during the confrontation. Munir, while in Istanbul, also held talks with the Turkish Land Forces Commander. Officials said the meetings were part of broader deliberations on bilateral cooperation and regional security issues. Following his stop in Turkey, Sharif is scheduled to visit Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan between May 25 and 30. According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, the primary goal of the trip is to personally thank 'friendly' countries for their diplomatic and moral support during the standoff with India. Accompanying Sharif are several key figures in his administration, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan makes a mockery of its own narrative While international engagements showcased Pakistan's external outreach, back home, a ceremonial dinner hosted by Munir attracted widespread attention — and criticism. The event, described as a tribute to the resilience of the political leadership and the armed forces, was held in Islamabad shortly before the prime minister's departure abroad. In a dramatic moment during the dinner, Munir presented Sharif with a framed image that was described as a commemorative memento from Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. The picture was claimed to depict Pakistani troops in action against India. However, eagle-eyed social media users quickly identified the photo as originating from a 2017 Chinese military exercise . The revelation prompted widespread ridicule. Pakistani journalist Taha Siddiqui posted on X (formerly Twitter): 'Apparently the Pakistan Army Chief has gifted PM Shehbaz Sharif a dated Chinese military photo as a souvenir to illustrate Pak Army attack against India. So not just a fake victory narrative but also a fake photo with it. What a joke @OfficialDGISPR.' 🔴 Apparently the Pakistan Army Chief has gifted PM Shehbaz Sharif a dated Chinese military photo as a souvenir to illustrate Pak Army attack against India. So not just a fake victory narrative but also a fake photo with it. What a joke @OfficialDGISPR — Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) May 25, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The event was attended by an array of dignitaries, including Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, chief ministers, governors, federal ministers and senior officials from the armed forces. Despite the high-profile guest list, the credibility of the occasion was quickly undermined by the social media backlash, turning what was intended as a symbol of unity into a subject of satire. A rare promotion for Munir Adding to Munir's growing prominence, the federal cabinet recently approved a rare elevation of his military rank. Munir was promoted to Field Marshal , a designation not seen in Pakistan since 1959, when Ayub Khan, then the army chief, conferred the title upon himself after seizing political control through a coup. The official statement from the Prime Minister's Office read: 'In recognition of his brilliant military leadership, courage, and bravery, ensuring Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity and courageous defence against the enemy, the cabinet approved the prime minister's proposal to promote General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Pakistan, the title of field marshal is typically symbolic and held for life. Munir thus becomes only the second individual in the country's history to hold the rank. A long history of military dominance in Pakistan's governance Pakistan's military has long exerted significant influence over the country's civilian institutions. Since its independence in 1947, the armed forces have directly governed the country for over three decades and have consistently maintained a central role in national policymaking. Though nominally under civilian rule, the perception persists that the real decision-making power lies in Rawalpindi, home to the military's General Headquarters (GHQ). The current scenario reflects that pattern. While civilian leaders like Sharif hold formal authority, the military under Munir appears to be closely steering not just defence and intelligence but also diplomacy and economic planning. Munir also co-chairs the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) with Sharif — a high-level body formed in 2023 to fast-track investments by streamlining bureaucratic processes and bypassing red tape. Despite denials from the military establishment, critics argue that the SIFC institutionalises military involvement in economic governance. The Pakistani military's growing role in civilian affairs has also led to renewed tensions with opposition figures, most notably the leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his supporters have repeatedly accused the military of orchestrating crackdowns on party leaders and manipulating the 2024 general election. Although PTI-affiliated candidates ran as independents due to a ban on the party's participation, they ended up winning more seats than any other political group. Still, it was the coalition of Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Pakistan People's Party that formed the government after post-election negotiations. The PTI has accused both the military and the caretaker government of electoral interference — claims that both the civilian and military leadership deny. The events of the past few weeks offer a revealing snapshot of Pakistan's contemporary governance model. Field Marshal Asim Munir is now at the centre of the country's most consequential decisions. With inputs from agencies
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Turkiye, Pakistan Reaffirm Deep-Rooted Ties, Commit to Boost Trade to US$5 Billion
Turkiye's President Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before their meeting in Istanbul, May 25, 2025. Mustafa Kamaci/Presidential Press Office/Handout via REUTERS ISTANBUL, May 26 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif at the Dolmabahce Working Office in Istanbul on Sunday, where both leaders reaffirmed the historic ties between the two countries and pledged to boost bilateral trade to US$5 billion. According to a statement by the Turkish Communications Directorate, the two leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues during the meeting, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. Erdogan expressed satisfaction over hosting Prime Minister Sharif and his delegation, noting that Turkiye and Pakistan shared deep-rooted historical, human, and political relations. 'We confirmed and strengthened our mutual will to enhance the deep-rooted historical, human and political ties between Türkiye and Pakistan in every field,' Erdogan said in a post on the social media platform X. He added that the meeting further consolidated 'our unshakable bonds, cooperation, solidarity and brotherhood between our countries and peoples,' and extended his heartfelt greetings to the Pakistani people. Sharif, in a post on X following the talks, said it was an honour to meet 'my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan' and conveyed the gratitude of the Pakistani people to the Turkish nation. He thanked Erdogan for his 'resolute support' during Pakistan's recent standoff with India, describing it as resulting in an 'overwhelming victory' for Pakistan. The Pakistani prime minister said the two sides reviewed progress in trade and investment cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties. Erdogan added Turkiye would continue to work towards enhancing cooperation in all areas, particularly energy, transportation and defence.
Forbes
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Trump Suggests Russia Could Face Secondary Sanctions—As He Accuses Putin Of 'Tapping' Him Along Over Ukraine War
Shortly after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Vatican, President Donald Trump accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of prolonging Russia's war with Ukraine and threatened secondary sanctions in a post on Truth Social, days after Trump had issued another rare criticism targeting Putin. Trump and Zelensky met in the Vatican on Saturday, just before Pope Francis's funeral.(Ukrainian ... More Presidential Press Office via AP) In his Truth Social post, Trump said there is 'no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days,' offering another criticism of the Russian president as peace talks with Ukraine continue. 'It makes me think that maybe [Putin] doesn't want to stop the war, he's just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently,' Trump said, threatening secondary sanctions. Trump made the post hours after meeting with Zelenskyy at Pope Francis's funeral in Rome, which Zelenskyy praised as a 'good meeting,' though Trump did not mention the talks in his Truth Social post. Trump had criticized Putin earlier this week, writing in a Truth Social post he is 'not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV,' which he said are 'not necessary, and very bad timing,' adding: 'Vladimir, STOP!' Trump's Saturday morning post also took aim at media coverage of his mediation of the Ukraine and Russia peace talks, as well as both of his predecessors, former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, whom he accused of leaving him a 'mess' to clean up. Trump and Zelenskyy spoke inside St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the location of Pope Francis's funeral, which brought together dozens of world leaders. Though it's unclear what exactly Trump and Zelenskyy discussed, Zelenskyy praised the talks in a post on X, calling it a 'good meeting' and a 'very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results.' In Zelenskyy's post, he said he hoped for 'results on everything we covered,' including a 'full and unconditional ceasefire,' protecting 'lives of our people' and achieving 'reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out.' A White House spokesperson told CNN the two leaders 'met privately today and had a very productive discussion,' stating the discussion lasted about 15 minutes and Trump and Zelenskyy both agreed to continue talks. Trump, in a Truth Social post on Friday, said work on a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia is 'going smoothly,' as U.S. leaders have indicated frustration that peace has not come sooner. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States would walk away from talks if progress is not made soon, stating 'if it is not possible to end the war in Ukraine, we need to move on.' Trump, when asked about Rubio's comments by reporters, said if either party makes negotiations difficult, 'we're just going to say: 'You're foolish. You're fools. You're horrible people,' and we're going to just take a pass.' On Truth Social on Friday, Trump pressured Zelenskyy to sign the stalled minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine, which Zelenskyy had previously said he was ready to sign in March. In Trump's interview with TIME, given on Tuesday and published Friday, Trump said Crimea would 'stay with Russia,' which Zelenskyy has vehemently opposed, stating 'Zelenskyy understands that, and everybody understands that it's been with them for a long time.' Trump told reporters Thursday Putin has offered 'pretty big concessions' to stop the war, stating he no longer wants 'the whole country.' Trump's Saturday meeting with Zelenskyy was their first in-person discussion since their Oval Office clash in February. After Zelenskyy said Putin could not be trusted to honor a ceasefire, Vice President JD Vance accused him of trying to 'litigate' the conflict 'in front of the American media.' Trump, in a raised voice, accused Zelenskyy of 'gambling with World War III' and threatened to walk away from the Ukraine-Russia talks. Trump Says 'Crimea Will Stay With Russia' After Rare Criticism Of Putin (Forbes)
National News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- National News
Aoun, Emir of Qatar hold high-level talks in Doha, pledge strengthened bilateral ties and support for Lebanese stability
NNA – Lebanese-Qatari talks were officially launched in the Amiri Diwan in Doha on Wednesday with an expanded meeting between President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, and Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The session was followed by a private one-on-one meeting and is set to conclude with an official luncheon. President Aoun expressed his gratitude to the Emir for Qatar's ongoing support to Lebanon across various sectors. Emir Tamim, for his part, emphasized that 'with the election of President Aoun and the formation of a new government, there is a real opportunity to reactivate this support.' Describing the visit as 'important and historic for the development of relations between the two countries,' Emir Tamim reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to Lebanon's stability and noted that 'the current internal and regional climate is favorable.' He further pledged Qatar's readiness to assist Lebanon in areas such as electricity, energy, and any other critical sectors, including continued support for the Lebanese Army. According to the Presidential Press Office, the two leaders agreed on the importance of preserving civil peace in Lebanon and emphasized the need to implement the commitments made in the presidential oath of office, particularly regarding the exclusive authority of the Lebanese state over arms. President Aoun also told the Emir, 'The Lebanese Army is fulfilling its duties in South Lebanon in line with Resolution 1701, but the ongoing Israeli occupation hampers the full deployment of our forces, especially in light of repeated aggressions, including the one that occurred today.'
