Shehbaz Sharif Acknowledges Pakistan’s Military Role in Governance, Hints at “Joint Partnership”

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has openly acknowledged the formal role of the military in the country’s governance, confirming long-standing speculation about a hybrid civilian-military system. Speaking at an event addressing exporters and business leaders in Islamabad on Friday, Sharif praised Field Marshal Asim Munir, describing the Pakistani military as the country’s “economic engine.”

Military-Civil Partnership Formalized

Analysts have compared the 27th Constitutional Amendment, approved in November 2025, to a constitutional coup, as it effectively institutionalized the military’s involvement in governance. Following the amendment, Field Marshal Asim Munir was appointed Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), granting him control over all three branches of the military and the nuclear command.

Sharif credited the military leadership with steering Pakistan away from economic default, framing it as a joint partnership between civilian and military authorities. He stated, “Without the support of Field Marshal Asim Munir, several challenges I faced would not have been solvable.”

Message to India and Regional Context

Sharif also used the platform to assert Pakistan’s growing strength, issuing a veiled warning to India. He said, “If this civil-military partnership continues, Pakistan will emerge so strong on the global map that India will be surprised at how powerful Pakistan has become.”

Observers note that Sharif’s repeated praise for Munir, combined with the government’s alignment with military directives, signals that Pakistan’s civilian leadership now operates under military guidance, a shift that marks a clear departure from conventional civilian governance.

The Prime Minister’s remarks underline the consolidation of military influence in Pakistan, while also projecting a robust posture toward regional adversaries, particularly India, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.