'After retirement, Asim Munir will...': Shehbaz Sharif’s top aide drops bombshell on Pakistan Army chief’s future

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir - File Photo

Pakistan’s political scene has once again descended into confusion and contradiction. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s advisor, Rana Sanaullah Khan, has made a stunning revelation about the future of Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, insisting that the powerful general harbours no political ambitions. In an interview with Samaa TV, Sanaullah said, “Munir will go straight home after retirement and neither the Prime Minister’s House nor the President’s House will be his destination.”

His statement, clearly aimed at quelling rumours of Munir’s political aspirations, also exposed the uneasy civil-military balance that continues to haunt Pakistan’s democracy. For years, former Prime Minister Imran Khan has accused Munir of wanting to grab political power for himself. Sanaullah’s comment, therefore, appears to be both a defence of Munir and a warning to critics. “The army chief has no personal agenda,” he declared.

Pakistan’s endless power struggle

Sanaullah’s remarks underline the deep mistrust that defines Pakistan’s political establishment. Civilian leaders continue to speak cautiously about the army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its existence. The constant need to clarify that the army chief “has no agenda” is itself a reminder of how deeply entrenched the military remains in political affairs.

Sanaullah attempted to downplay tensions among political parties, saying, “Both parties are not enemies. There is no problem with PPP. Both parties have worked together multiple times. While one party holds some hostility, PML-N does not want to respond to it.” But his reassurance rings hollow in a country where alliances shift overnight and political vendettas dominate governance.

Sanaullah on Bilawal Bhutto and Punjab politics

Turning to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto, Sanaullah said, “Bilawal has the right to express his views even if some consider them wrong.” He admitted that Bhutto’s concerns about flood victims were ignored by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, but insisted that the PML-N was not looking for confrontation. “CM Maryam has the right to comment on Punjab matters. She is not Usman Buzdar,” he remarked, referring to the former Punjab Chief Minister seen as a weak figurehead under Imran Khan.

The comments reveal growing friction between the PML-N and the PPP, the two key partners in the current ruling coalition. Both parties are struggling to balance power, with Maryam Nawaz asserting control in Punjab while Bilawal Bhutto positions himself as the voice of opposition within the government.

The Nawaz Question: Who really runs Pakistan?

In another telling remark, Sanaullah addressed speculation about Nawaz Sharif’s political future. “Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will hold this position with Nawaz Sharif’s consent,” he said, before adding pointedly, “If Nawaz Sharif wants to become Prime Minister, he does not need any recommendation.”

The statement makes it clear that Shehbaz Sharif’s government continues to function under the shadow of his elder brother. Pakistan, once again, appears to be run by a family dynasty under the watchful eye of the military establishment.

Sanaullah ended his interview by urging dialogue among political forces. “The current political leadership must come together and resolve their issues through dialogue,” he said, adding that there would be no interference “from his side in political matters.”

A crisis without end

Despite the attempt to sound conciliatory, Sanaullah’s remarks expose Pakistan’s chronic instability. Civilian leaders are busy managing perceptions, while the army continues to dominate national politics behind the scenes. The PML-N and PPP remain uneasy allies, and Imran Khan’s shadow still looms large over Islamabad.

For all the talk of democracy and cooperation, Pakistan’s politics remain a theatre of power, mistrust, and denial. The claim that the army chief “will go straight home after retirement” may reassure some, but history suggests otherwise. In Pakistan, generals rarely go home quietly.