Pakistan’s former spy master and senior-most Lt General Asim Munir was named as the new Army Chief by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, ending speculation over the most powerful position in the coup-prone nation, where the military wields considerable power in matters of security and foreign policy.
Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday formally approved Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s nominations for the next army chief, hours after receiving a summary in this regard, DAWN.com reported.
Lt Gen Asim Munir has been named as the chief of army staff and Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza has been named as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
The confirmation of the president’s approval was given in a statement issued by the Aiwan-e-Sadr, cited by DAWN.com
“The president has promoted Lieutenant General Syed Asim Munir HI(M) to the rank of General with immediate effect and appointed him as Chief of Army Staff with effect from 29th November 2022,” the press release said.
