Pakistan’s Army Chief Faces Ultimatum: Resign or Risk Military Coup

A group of Pakistan Army personnel, including colonels, majors, captains, and soldiers, have called for Army Chief General Asim Munir to resign immediately. They accused him of misusing military power to suppress political opposition, silence journalists, and undermine democratic processes.The group warned that if he does not step down, they will take action—possibly by force—to reclaim control of the institution, reported CNN-News18 citing a letter.
Intelligence sources have confirmed the letter’s authenticity and described it as a sign of a major crisis within the Pakistan Army, the country’s most powerful institution. The letter claimed that General Munir’s leadership pushed Pakistan into a situation similar to 1971, when the country lost a war, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
The letter cited specific events as evidence of his failures, including the violent crackdown following former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s removal from office in April 2022 and the alleged rigging of the 8 February 2024 elections. It also referenced the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan by the Balochistan Liberation Army, quoting, “We lost Balochistan that day; we lost our dignity.” The personnel blamed General Munir for the incident.Describing life under his leadership, the letter stated: “This is the roar of a people—housewives beaten in the streets, journalists silenced with bullets, students tortured in dungeons, and activists erased for daring to speak—who have borne the brunt of your tyranny since you toppled the last shred of legitimacy in April 2022.” It accused him of overseeing an economic collapse while extending his term as Army Chief until 2027.

Public anger has grown, with the letter noting that even children are now throwing stones at military checkpoints. It also criticised the Army’s role in manipulating politics, stating, “Since it was the Generals who orchestrated the ousting of Imran Khan—a leader chosen by the people—you’ve plunged Pakistan to depths unseen since Yahya’s disgrace.” This refers to General Yahya Khan, who led Pakistan during the 1971 crisis.

The personnel demanded that command be handed over to a council of senior officers to restore the Army’s integrity and hold General Munir accountable. They warned, “Resign ASAP, or we will take back what you’ve stolen—by force if necessary.”

Pakistan is currently facing an economic downturn, widespread frustration with the military, and growing unrest in regions such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Army has long been a dominant force in the country, but this internal revolt suggests its authority is weakening.