‘Lifetime immunity for Asim Munir haraam’: Pakistan’s senior Islamic scholar puts Sharif in a spot

Key Highlights

• On December 27, Munir took charge as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces, or CDF, a post created by the controversial 27th Amendment to the 1973 Constitution.
• What makes the amendment controversial is the fact that it provides explicit constitutional immunity for Munir. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADThe Pakistan Field Marshal automatically has lifelong protection from criminal prosecution or civil proceedings for acts performed in office, unless Parliament itself first strips that immunity.
• However, not everyone in the Pakistani ruling establishment has been happy with such a perk for the Army chief. More from World How Gaza trap will make Munir realise the cost of American lunch Saudi Arabia awards highest honour to Pakistan Army chief Asim MunirCracks within the coalitionThere are still partners in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) who are reportedly not in favour of the sweeping immunity given to Munir under the controversial 27th Amendment.
• As per the report, Usmani told his supporters that no ruler, general or caliph is above accountability, as per the Quran and Sunnah.
• He said such protection for rulers or military chiefs is forbidden in Islam. It is pertinent to note that PDM was a coalition of major political parties in Pakistan, which was formed in 2020 to challenge then–Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government, accusing it of poor governance and economic mismanagement.