Pakistan Extends Military Chiefs' Terms to Five Years

Pakistan's parliament has approved a legislative amendment extending the tenures of military chiefs from three to five years, a move criticized by opposition lawmakers from Imran Khan's party who described the process as rushed and lacking debate. The amendment, introduced by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, is seen as a strategy by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government to stabilize military leadership and avoid political turmoil associated with frequent appointments. The bill passed both the National Assembly and the Senate amid protests, with opposition members chanting against the measure and disrupting the session. Khan's party argues that the extension undermines the country's democratic processes and continues the military's influence in politics, which they blame for Khan's ouster in 2022. If enacted, the new law would allow Army Chief General Asim Munir to serve until November 2027, effectively bypassing the standard retirement age for generals. The military's significant role in Pakistan's governance raises concerns about the implications of this amendment for democratic institutions.