To stay in the headlines by frivolous statements for another day, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir has stated that God has made him “guardian of Pakistan”. With his, he had denied any plan or entry in politics and stated that he only considers himself “a servant of the state.”

While speaking to Jang media group columnist Suhail Warraich during his visit to Brussels, Belgium, Pakistan’s Field Marshal said, “God has made me the guardian of the country; apart from this, I have no desire for any office. I am a soldier, and my greatest wish is martyrdom.”

Though, Munir has underlined that he is a soldier and his “greatest desire is martyrdom”.

In July, speculation was rife that Munir, being promoted to the rank of Field Marshal after Operation Sindoor, might ask President Asif Ali Zardari to resign and take charge of the highest office himself. However, the rumours were subsequently dispelled by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

What did Munir say about Pakistan’s PM?

As per the Warraich’s column, Munir kept repeatedly appreciating the prudence of the political government and especially Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s sincere 18-hour work; he said that during the war the Prime Minister and cabinet showed determination and courage that should be praised.

He also warned that he would attack India if it worked with the Afghans “to cause instability” in Pakistan.

While he has already nominated US President Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, the Pakistani Field Marshal has once again expressed his admiration towards the former, saying he “truly values” Trump’s efforts to make peace, and feels proud that Pakistan took the lead in nominating Trump for the Nobel Prize.

Munir, however, added that Pakistan would not choose the US over China. “We won’t give up one friend for another,” he said.

Pakistan: A country cursed with frequent military coups?

Munir’s latest remarks shed light on Pakistan’s long history of military rule. Since it was founded in 1947, the country has been under military control for 34 years in total. The first military takeover was by Ayub Khan in 1958, who remained in power until 1969. He was followed by General Yahya Khan, who stayed in charge until 1971.

General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq took control in a coup in 1977 and ruled until his death in 1988. In 1999, General Pervez Musharraf led another coup and stayed in power until 2008. Musharraf, who passed away in 2023, was Pakistan’s last military ruler.