Army chief gets immunity for life

Pakistan has granted lifelong immunity to Field Marshal Asim Munir, in a move that will further entrench the military’s grip on power in the nuclear-armed nation.

The upper house of parliament yesterday approved the constitutional amendment Bill that expands Munir’s control over the military branches.

Munir is widely seen as the nation’s most powerful leader, and Pakistan’s army wields the final word on critical matters from foreign policy to internal politics and the economy.

The military’s influence has grown in recent years, especially after a brief conflict with India in May that led to Munir’s promotion from four-star general to the nation’s second-ever field marshal. — TCA