General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Army Chief, is facing unprecedented criticism—from within the military, political circles, and the general public—amid increasing tensions with India and domestic instability. Once seen as a disciplined, religious, and strategic military leader, General Asim Munir is now struggling with a wave of dissatisfaction that’s threatening the very foundation of Pakistan’s powerful military establishment. Appointed on November 29, 2022, Munir had entered office with an image of a devout and secretive officer—he is even a Hafiz-e-Quran, a distinction uncommon among army generals. However, his promises of bringing order and stability have given way to growing chaos both inside Pakistan and in its foreign relations—especially with India.

What Sparked the Decline in Munir’s Popularity?

One major turning point came after the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Following the deadly incident, India launched swift and forceful retaliatory strikes that shocked the Pakistani military. Analysts say this created one of the closest situations to open war between the two nuclear nations in recent times. As India blamed Pakistan for sheltering terrorist groups, criticism of Munir mounted within Pakistan itself. Social media exploded with anti-Munir sentiments, with hashtags like #MunirOut trending for days. Many critics also blame him for interfering in domestic politics—most notably, the jailing of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, which many viewed as a politically motivated move. This action alienated large parts of the public, including Khan's supporters and conservative religious groups led by figures like Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Dissent Within the Army

The Pakistan Army, often seen as a symbol of unity and discipline, is reportedly showing signs of internal fracture under Munir’s leadership. Retired generals and defense experts have accused him of promoting loyalists and suppressing dissenters within the ranks. Some estimates claim that around 4,500 soldiers and 250 officers have resigned in recent months due to dissatisfaction. A growing number of junior officers and veterans are also uncomfortable with what they see as Munir’s increasing use of religious rhetoric. Critics are comparing him to General Zia-ul-Haq, who famously fused military power with religious ideology in the 1980s. His frequent references to Quranic verses in internal military speeches have earned him the nickname “Mullah Munir” among detractors. One retired brigadier commented anonymously, “He is not just politicising the army, he is theologising it—this is dangerous for an institution that’s supposed to be professional and strategically disciplined.”

A Politically Insulated General

Despite widespread criticism, Munir remains securely in power. The government under Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif extended his tenure by five years through a quiet parliamentary amendment, meaning he will remain Army Chief until November 2027. This extension has made it virtually impossible to remove him through political means, although some political analysts warn that ongoing unrest in the military could lead to a deeper institutional crisis. Opposition leaders have even speculated about the potential for a coup or rebellion within the army—though unlikely now, such talk highlights the fragile situation.

Public Sentiment and Security Failures

Among the Pakistani public—especially urban youth, civil rights groups, and democratic thinkers—Munir’s image is highly negative. His inability to stop recurring terror attacks in regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has further hurt his credibility. Analyst Zahid Hussain noted that Munir’s aggressive posturing against India might have come at the cost of ignoring internal security, allowing extremist violence to grow unchecked. “There’s a growing consensus that his policies are doing more harm than good,” he said.

Secrecy and Speculation

General Munir rarely appears in the media and maintains a very private lifestyle. Unconfirmed reports suggest that his family lives abroad, possibly in the UK or US, fueling speculation about his personal interests and long-term plans. The secrecy surrounding him has led to more questions than answers, even as he continues to play a dominant role in Pakistan’s security and political landscape. From a once-respected and religiously admired figure, General Asim Munir’s reputation has sharply declined. His leadership style, foreign policy decisions, and internal power struggles have not only drawn public backlash but also seem to be shaking the unity of the Pakistan Army itself. While he remains in control for now, the rising discontent suggests that the road ahead for Munir—and for Pakistan’s military-political structure—may be more turbulent than ever.