Pakistan Army Chief Plans to Redraw Political Map With New Provinces
· World · Hindustan Times, The Economist, economist
Pakistan’s de facto ruler, Field Marshal Munir, is planning to redraw the country's political map by creating new provinces to dismantle dynastic power fiefs. The move comes as Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party stages protests in Islamabad, where authorities have blocked roads with shipping containers and deployed truncheon-wielding policemen. Field Marshal Munir has previously consolidated his authority through constitutional amendments, establishing a Federal Constitutional Court and tightening control over the armed forces and civilian appointments. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is widely viewed as a puppet, while interior minister Mohsin Naqvi is considered more powerful due to his close ties to the military leadership. Despite amassing significant political control, the military leadership faces mounting pressure amid persistent economic challenges and year-on-year inflation of 10.3% recorded in September.
Why it matters
The proposed creation of new provinces threatens to upend the entrenched power bases of Pakistan's dynastic political parties. This restructuring directly impacts the country's governance, domestic stability, and the political future of imprisoned leader Imran Khan.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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