Pak Army Chief Manages Difficult Economy, Reminds of Zia Ul Haq Period

General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, met with prominent businesspeople in Karachi on Saturday. During the discussion, he presented vital economic measures and guaranteed a stable business climate for the troubled nation.

This occurrence happened at the same time as Pakistani merchants went on strike last week in protest of the country’s skyrocketing cost of living, which includes rising fuel and utility prices and the rupee’s record devaluation versus the dollar. As demonstrators torched tires on the highways to show their ire, shopkeepers throughout Pakistan tore down their shutters.

General Munir started by addressing worries about smuggling operations coming from Iran and Afghanistan during the meeting with over 60 important businessmen from major business organizations, promising the guests that swift action would be taken to stop such criminal traffic.

He pledged to strengthen the Pakistani rupee and halt the country’s dollarization. The head of the Pakistani army vowed to overhaul the black market and include those who do not pay taxes in the tax system. He also disclosed intentions to privatize state-owned businesses, with ill sections going to private companies for effective management.

General Munir emphasized that Saudi Arabia and China have a genuine interest in investing in the cash-strapped nation after stability has been established. This summit takes place while the terror-prone nation works to promote its economic development at a crucial moment.

It also represents a major break from previous norms since it was the first time the Pakistan Army Chief avoided talking about Kashmir and India-related matters.The COAS is anticipated to play a crucial role in governance, according to recent reports from CNN News18, which said that the caretaker government’s mandate will be prolonged.

ZIA-UL-HAQ PERIOD RETURNS

Recent interactions between General Asim Munir and influential businesspeople in Karachi are reminiscent of those under previous military ruler Zia-ul-Haq. Zia-ul-Haq experimented in every non-military field while in power from 1978 to 1988, including efforts to influence the nation’s economic policy.

In 1986, the notorious Pakistani dictator met with a group of businesspeople in Karachi to discuss how to improve the country’s economy. In 1987, he also had a meeting in Lahore with a group of businessmen to talk about the nation’s energy issue.

Pakistan’s levels of foreign debt were an issue at this time, much like the country’s present dire economic predicament. Another important aspect of it was the social and political upheaval. Additionally, political organizations were subject to harsh regulations during the hated military regime, just as General Munir stifled Imran Khan’s PTI.