Imran Khan's PTI warns of Pak’s isolation and economic crisis under “dictatorial” Asim Munir reappointment: Report

Imran Khan's PTI warns of Pak’s isolation and economic crisis under “dictatorial” Asim Munir reappointment: Report

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Abdul Samad Yaqoob has cautioned that worsening relations with Afghanistan and flawed domestic policies are pushing Pakistan toward greater regional isolation and economic instability.

Yaqoob conveyed concerns raised by PTI founder Imran Khan in an interview with ANI, following his recent warning to Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Asim Munir that the military’s actions are guided by “disastrous policies” serving “personal or foreign interests” rather than national priorities.

He criticised the creation of the CDF post as a "constitutional overreach" that PTI intends to challenge in court. "This is not just an administrative reshuffle," Yaqoob said. "It represents the concentration of unchecked power in one man's hands. By giving absolute authority to General Asim Munir, the government has effectively endorsed a military dictatorship under constitutional disguise."

Highlighting growing insecurity along Pakistan’s western border, Yaqoob said, “In the past, we faced tensions with India on our eastern border. But today, even our western border with Afghanistan has turned insecure, something that was never expected.” He added that Pakistan’s confrontational approach has transformed a once “brotherly” nation into a hostile neighbour.

“Instead of fostering trade and cooperation, they are seizing even the space for commerce. This is isolating Pakistan further in the international community,” Yaqoob stated. He also criticised the lack of tangible economic benefits despite numerous Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and high-level visits, noting that “no real investment has materialised.”

Yaqoob warned that ongoing border tensions, trade disruptions at Torkham, and political instability are driving investors away, potentially pushing Pakistan’s economy into irreversible decline.

The remarks come after Pakistan consolidated unprecedented authority under Munir, making him the country’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) while he continues as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), centralising control over the army, navy, air force, and strategic decision-making under a leader known for a hard-line stance.

(With agency inputs)