General Asim Munir has been the chief of the Pakistan Army for over two years, consolidating power while largely remaining out of the public eye.

He adheres to a hardline ideology regarding India, making provocative statements about cultural differences and emphasizing Kashmir's significance to Pakistan.

These tensions have intensified following India's airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of 31 people on May 7, 2025.

Munir is attempting to establish his own governance system, which includes reviving the controversial two-nation theory that posits Hindus and Muslims cannot coexist.

Since succeeding General Qamar Javed Bajwa in November 2022, Munir's leadership has gained attention, particularly following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22.

After the ousting and jailing of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Munir has been seen as a key figure in the military's crackdown on Khan's supporters ahead of the 2024 elections.

In recent months, Pakistan has adopted a more aggressive military posture, conducting retaliatory strikes against Iran and Afghanistan.

As Munir's tenure approaches its end in November 2025, he appears to be escalating tensions with India to justify a potential extension of his term and to strengthen his political and military leverage.

In response to escalating tensions with India, Pakistan's government has empowered the military, under Munir's leadership, to devise counterattack strategies.

Ayesha Siddiqa warns that the relationship between India and Pakistan has deteriorated significantly, with a low trust deficit that may necessitate third-party intervention for resolution.

Siddiqa expresses concern that Munir's approach could lead Pakistan into a cycle of conflict that adversely affects domestic politics.

Experts are increasingly worried about the potential for nuclear escalation between the two nations, highlighting the risks of rapid, high-stakes warfare that could involve tactical nuclear weapons.