Gen. Asim Munir takes command amid a deepening political rift and a renewed threat from a key militant group
W.K. Yousufzai—APISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s new military chief took command of the country’s armed forces on Tuesday amid a deepening political rift between the government and the popular opposition leader, as well as a renewed threat from a key militant group that has been behind scores of deadly attacks over 15 years.
One of the key challenges faced by the country’s new army chief, Gen. Asim Munir, will be how to respond to the latest threat from the Pakistani Taliban, known as TTP, which has ordered its fighters to resume attacks across the country. Munir, who is a former spymaster, replaced Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, who has retired from the post after a six-year term. Bajwa, during his tenure, had approved a series of operations against the militants to evict them from the country’s former northwestern tribal regions bordering Afghanistan.The Pakistani Taliban had agreed to an indefinite cease-fire in May after talks with Pakistan’s government and military officials in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul.
Munir was promoted to four-star general by Sharif last week to replace Bajwa, who retired at the height of his unpopularity. Bajwa emerged as one of the most controversial army chiefs this year when opposition leader Imran Khan accused him of ousting his government under the U.S. plot, a charge Sharif, the United States and the military have denied.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sports world celebrates as Jill Scott wins I'm A CelebrityThe former Lioness beat former health secretary Matt Hancock and Hollyoaks star Owen Warner to victory
Read more »
Telecoms networks could provide next-gen GPS servicesDecimeter-level uncertainty, sub-nanosecond time synchronization – but what happens when there's no signal?
Read more »
Former I'm a Celebrity campmates enjoy dinner together ahead of the finalNot a fermented egg in sight.
Read more »
McGregor sings about being sued for millions by former teammate over Proper 12Conor McGregor has spoken out for the first time since it was revealed he is being sued for millions by a former teammate. Artem Lobov, a retired fighter who used to train alongside McGregor, claim…
Read more »
Evra fires dig at former Arsenal star as he likens Man Utd defender to Carrick - Football365Football365 - Ex-Premier League defender Patrice Evra thinks Lisandro Martinez passes the ball like former Man Utd midfielder Michael Carrick.
Read more »