Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Defence Staff Asim Munir are locked in a deep personal and political feud.
The conflict represents a broader power struggle between Pakistan's civilian leadership and its military establishment. This friction threatens regional stability and highlights the ongoing tension regarding how much influence the army should exert over national governance.
The rivalry began in 2019 [1, 2]. At that time, Khan removed Munir from his position as Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) after Munir had served eight months in the role [1]. This decision marked the beginning of a lasting rift between the two men.
Political tensions escalated when Khan was removed from the prime-ministership in 2022 [1]. Following his ouster, the relationship between Khan and the military leadership deteriorated further. Khan said Munir and the military establishment attempted to decimate his political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) [1, 2].
The situation intensified in August 2023, when Khan was arrested [1]. His detention served as a flashpoint for supporters of the PTI, who view the military's actions as a targeted campaign to eliminate Khan from the political landscape.
The struggle is not merely a clash of personalities but a systemic conflict. The military establishment has historically played a dominant role in Pakistani politics, often stepping in to steer the country's direction. Khan's attempts to assert civilian authority over intelligence and military appointments challenged this traditional dynamic.
As the feud continues, the political environment in Pakistan remains volatile. The PTI continues to face pressure from the state, while the military maintains a firm grip on security and strategic policy. This deadlock has left the country navigating significant internal divisions, leaving the balance of power between the barracks and the parliament unresolved.
“The rivalry began in 2019”
The clash between Khan and Munir illustrates the precarious nature of democratic governance in Pakistan. Because the military often acts as the ultimate arbiter of power, the targeting of a popular former leader suggests a shift toward more aggressive efforts to maintain institutional control over the civilian political process.
