'Jihadi General' Asim Munir on his way out

Saturday 10 May, 2025 | 12:20 AM READ MALAYALAM VERSION

NEW DELHI: Rumors say that Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, known as jihadi general, has been thrown out from his post following the escalation with India. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is likely to fill the void.

It is also said that a section of the army arrested and removed Asim from his post for endangering Pakistan for personal gain.

The Pakistani military may attempt a coup, which has started giving nightmares to political leadership, and the people. Munir, the all-powerful leader of Pakistan, is likely to have triggered the Pahalgam terror attack with his hate-filled speech against Indian Hindus.

Asim Munir became the Pakistan Army Chief in 2022 when General Javed Bajwa retired. The tenure of all chiefs was extended from three to five years. Accordingly, Munir has his tenure until 2027.

Munir is one of the few generals to have served as both the ISI and the Military Intelligence chief. Munir acclaimed popularity when he uncovered corruption allegations against Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi. This incensed the then Prime Minister Imran who took down Munir from his post. The resentment prompted Munir to overthrow Imran. Although President Asif Ali Zardari was not interested, the support of Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif proved vital.

Asim's provocative speech came days before the Pahalgam terror attack. He said that Islamabad's relationship with Kashmir was like a jugular vein.

Asim Munir’s father, Syed Sarwar Munir Shah, was a religious scholar and school teacher. He grew up in a deeply religious environment. Munir received his religious education at a religious school in Rawalpindi. He memorized the Quran. Asim regularly uses religious verses and quotations in his speeches.