International News: Pakistan’s political landscape is once again engulfed in uncertainty. A rising storm appears to be gathering around Field Marshal Asim Munir, raising questions about the country’s democratic stability. As whispers of a potential military takeover grow louder, analysts are asking: Is Pakistan teetering on the edge of yet another coup?
Over the past few weeks, a series of strategic moves, power shifts, and diplomatic signals have amplified concerns about a silent but systematic plan to alter Pakistan’s civilian power structure.
Trump Meets Munir, Not the PM—A Subtle but Strong Signal
In a move that stunned political observers, the Pakistani government in May conferred the rare and symbolic title of Field Marshal upon General Asim Munir—only the second such appointment in the country's history, the first being General Ayub Khan, who promoted himself in 1959 shortly before assuming absolute control over Pakistan.
Munir’s elevation came in the immediate aftermath of India’s "Operation Sindoor", a military operation that dented Pakistan’s strategic posture. Soon after, Munir embarked on a high-profile visit to Washington, where he was received by former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House—notably bypassing Pakistan’s civilian leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
This unusual diplomatic gesture, where a military official, not the head of government, was granted such prominence, has triggered speculation of Washington’s tacit approval of Munir’s rising influence.
Backdoor Power Games: Is Zardari Being Pushed Out?
Amid the backdrop of this rising military prominence, rumors of a “silent coup” have begun circulating in Islamabad. Veteran journalist Ejaz Saeed claims that efforts to remove President Asif Ali Zardari are already underway, suggesting that "powerful forces" are pressuring him to resign quietly in order to clear the path for a new political arrangement.
On social media platform X, one viral post alleged:
“Sources confirm that Munir is orchestrating a silent coup. Zardari remains loyal to China, especially over Taiwan, while Munir has entered into a covert strategic pact with the United States. His aim: dismantle the CPEC project—at any cost.”
If true, such a pivot would represent one of the most dramatic foreign policy reversals in Pakistan's recent history—turning away from its long-standing ally China in favor of realignment with Washington.
Democracy or Another Chapter of Military Rule?
Pakistan's history is replete with military interventions—from Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan to Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf—each time dismantling fragile civilian governments under the guise of national interest. But what sets this moment apart is the subtlety and sophistication with which events appear to be unfolding.
Unlike previous coups carried out with tanks on the streets and declarations over state media, today’s maneuverings are covert, legalistic, and diplomatically nuanced. The military’s influence is growing not through brute force, but through backchannel alliances and global signaling.
India Watching Closely: Implications Across the Border
For New Delhi, Asim Munir's potential ascent is being watched with deep interest—and concern. Known for his hardline nationalist stance and background in intelligence and covert operations, Munir could usher in a more aggressive Pakistan-India posture.
His involvement in counterintelligence operations and his heightened activity post-'Operation Sindoor' suggest that non-conventional tactics—including hybrid warfare and proxy escalation—could see a revival.
No Official Word, But The Silence Is Loud
As of now, neither the Pakistani military nor the civilian government has officially addressed the coup rumors. Yet, the promotion to Field Marshal, the Trump meeting, and the deepening rift with Zardari speak volumes.
The country's direction seems to be shifting—not with a bang, but with a quiet, calculated rearrangement of power.
Guns Over Government—Again?
Pakistan stands at a critical juncture. Whether these developments culminate in a formal coup or result in a “soft takeover” through resignation and realignment, the balance of power appears to be tilting back towards the GHQ in Rawalpindi.
For a nation already grappling with economic instability, diplomatic dilemmas, and internal discord, the return of military dominance could either offer short-term order or plunge it into long-term democratic decay. As the saying goes in Pakistan— the more things change, the more they stay the same.
