Asim Munir: Pakistan's former spy chief named as army head - BBC

Pakistan's government has named a new army chief ending months of speculation over who would land what many see as the country's most powerful job.

General Asim Munir, a former spy chief, replaces General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who retires on 29 November.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was ousted by his opponents in April, has been at loggerheads with the new government and the military over the appointment of the army chief.

"It's not a political position but if you look at the post, this position has had a political role," says Fahd Husain, special adviser to the prime minister.

The final decision on who becomes the next army chief is normally for the prime minister to make alone.

But the process often becomes a tussle between the outgoing army chief and the prime minister, as both try to push for someone sympathetic to their interests.

Current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sought the counsel of his older brother, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is believed to be preparing a political comeback.

Mr Khan, their political rival, spoke publicly about the appointment, saying the current leadership is corrupt and should not be allowed to make the decision.

It is widely acknowledged that Mr Khan came to power in elections in 2018 with the help of Pakistan's army and intelligence services, despite denials from the former PM and the military.

Since then, Mr Khan has publicly condemned the army and its outsized role in the country's politics, even accusing members of the military of playing a role in an attack earlier this month when he was shot in the leg.

This week Gen Bajwa, who served two three-year terms as army chief, acknowledged the military's role in politics over the last 70 years.