If someone turns the pages of Pakistan’s political–defence history, a certain pattern becomes clear: after every war with India, a dictator emerges in Pakistan.

After the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq took command of the nation. Similarly, after the Kargil war, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup and eventually took charge of Pakistan. Now, Field Marshal Asim Munir appears to be following in the footsteps of Zia-ul-Haq and Musharraf.

Munir’s elevation to the rank of Field Marshal and the amendment in the Constitution to make him the CDF hint at his dictatorial intent.

Military rulers have governed Pakistan for 33 out of the 78 years since its Independence. In 1958, General Ayub Khan led a military coup. He later faced a war with India in 1965, but sin

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