Coup whisper grows louder in Pakistan: Is General Munir preparing to dethrone Zardari?

July 5 marks nearly five decades since General Zia ousted Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Bilawal’s grandfather, in a military coup that altered Pakistan’s political landscape.

On the 47th anniversary of General Zia-ul-Haq’s infamous coup, Pakistan is once again bracing for political turbulence. This time, speculation is swirling around President Asif Ali Zardari’s possible removal and the sudden rise of Army Chief General Asim Munir — now reportedly elevated to Field Marshal, as a key power contender.

According to Pakistani journalist Syed, General Munir is actively positioning himself to assume the presidency, though it remains unclear whether this would happen through a political arrangement or a forced military takeover. The timing, symbolism, and secrecy surrounding these moves have triggered deep anxiety across political circles and the public.

Zia-ul-Haq imposed martial law on 5 July 1977 — a date that marks the beginning of the darkest chapter in Pakistan’s history. His damage to the country went far beyond politics and culture; it was existential. After toppling an elected government, Zia launched a campaign of… https://t.co/uYY5d23GF3 pic.twitter.com/JtoYtUrSyV

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— Yousuf Nazar (@YousufNazar) July 5, 2025

What triggered the storm?

Tensions reached a tipping point after Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of President Zardari and a key political figure himself, publicly criticised General Munir in an international interview. Bilawal went further, suggesting that Pakistan should consider handing over Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India, a bold and controversial statement that drew widespread backlash.

Soon after, Hafiz Saeed’s son issued a public response, and a new wave of security debates took hold in Islamabad. For many, Bilawal’s remarks weren’t just political; they were seen as provocations that could accelerate a shift in Pakistan’s power equations.

Is a power swap already in motion?

According to India TV, behind-the-scenes negotiations and alignments are already underway. Sources told India TV claim that General Munir is moving swiftly to consolidate power, with some suggesting that the Sharif family may be involved, although no official word has come from the Shehbaz Sharif-led government.

Analysts, quoted by India TV point out that Munir’s elevation to Field Marshal is not just ceremonial, it could be the prelude to something far bigger. The unanswered question: Will Munir install himself as president, or is this the beginning of a broader military-led transition?

A history of coups haunts the present

The timing of this power play has not gone unnoticed. July 5 marks nearly five decades since General Zia ousted Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Bilawal’s grandfather, in a military coup that altered Pakistan’s political landscape. The eerie parallels are fueling fears that history could be repeating itself, with another Bhutto in the line of fire.

Already, anti-coup sentiments are beginning to bubble up, with resistance quietly forming in civil society, political corners, and online discourse. But as in previous times, the real decisions lie with the Army, particularly in Rawalpindi.