Islamabad | Special Report

In an unexpected yet decisive political shift, Pakistan’s power corridors are buzzing with the rise of General Asim Munir—from military strongman to head of state. As he takes the presidential oath, comparisons are being drawn to an unlikely figure from across the globe: former U.S. President Donald Trump. But is this a valid parallel, or just a media-fueled narrative? Let’s take a deeper look at what Munir’s ascent means for Pakistan—and why some believe he might be treading a path not too different from Trump’s.

From General to President:

The Rise of Asim Munir General Syed Asim Munir, a seasoned intelligence officer and career military man, served as Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from November 2022. Prior to that, he served as the director of the ISI, Pakistan’s top intelligence organization. Known for his discipline and strategic thinking, Munir kept a relatively low public profile but wielded enormous influence behind the scenes. As political instability worsened in Pakistan following the 2025 general elections—especially after the controversial arrest of Imran Khan—many saw the military once again stepping in as the stabilizing force. Munir, who had both national influence and administrative expertise, became a unifying force in this void. By July 2025, amid growing disillusionment with civilian leadership, political consensus was quietly built around Munir. He was formally sworn in as Pakistan’s fourteenth president on August 1.

The Trump Analogy: Are They Really Alike?

At first glance, there’s little in common between Donald Trump and Asim Munir. A real estate magnate transformed into a reality television personality and subsequently into a president. The other is a disciplined, devoutly religious army general with decades of experience in national security. So why the comparison? According to analysts, it’s not their personal histories, but their anti-establishment posturing, nationalist rhetoric, and “strongman” image that are triggering the analogies. Key Similarities: Trump took advantage of a surge in anti-Washington feeling by referring to the U.S. political class corrupt and ineffective. Munir, too, has criticized Pakistan’s political elite for “decades of misgovernance and dependence on foreign powers.” Nationalist Policies: Trump’s “America First” echoes in Munir’s “Sovereign Pakistan” mantra. In his first speech as president, Munir declared that “Pakistan’s dignity cannot be mortgaged to foreign interests.” Media Confrontation: Trump was infamous for calling the media “fake news.” Munir, though more restrained, has allowed his inner circle to target critical Pakistani media as “agents of chaos.”

What Policies Might Change?

So far, Munir has outlined a vision that leans heavily on economic self-reliance, defensive nationalism, and discipline in governance. Though technically a ceremonial post, the Pakistani presidency under Munir may not remain passive. Some key areas to watch: Economic Realignment: Munir has articulated concerns with Pakistan’s escalating indebtedness to the IMF and China. Sources suggest a renewed focus on “Made in Pakistan” policies and attracting Gulf-based investments without strings. Foreign Policy Reset: Early signals suggest a recalibration of ties with the U.S. and a more transactional approach to China. He has yet to make direct remarks on India, but a “national security first” tone may harden Pakistan’s Kashmir stance. Crackdown on Internal Dissent: In the wake of Imran Khan-led protests, Munir has labeled civil unrest as “orchestrated chaos.” His presidency could tighten laws on dissent, especially online.

Mixed Reactions at Home Supporters view Munir as a no-nonsense reformer who can bring back order and discipline. Government-backed media outlets have branded him “The Guardian of National Unity.” However, the opposition is less welcoming.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have raised concerns over military encroachment into civilian politics. The party of Imran Khan, the PTI, went one step further and referred to the development as “the death of constitutional democracy.” A former senator from Balochistan, speaking on condition of anonymity, remarked: > “If the army is the umpire, player, and now the president, what role is left for the people?”

The Global View:

Strategic Concerns World leaders, including those from China, the U.S., and the Middle East, have offered formal congratulations—but privately, Western think tanks are uneasy. The Washington-based Centre for Strategic Studies released a briefing titled “Pakistan’s Trump Moment?”, warning that Munir’s rise may consolidate authoritarianism under a nationalist veil. Regional observers, especially in India, are closely watching for any signs of increased cross-border tension.

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