Pakistani cleric questions legality of Asim Munir’s appointment as CDF

Islamabad: Unease is growing in Pakistan's political and religious circles over Asim Munir's increased power. The immense power granted to Asim Munir upon becoming CDF has been challenged by Mufti Taqi Usmani, associated with Maulana Fazlur Rehman's Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) party. Mufti Taqi argues that the lifetime legal immunity granted to Asim Munir under the 27th constitutional amendment is not permissible according to Islamic principles. Mufti Usmani has declared the power granted to Munir as haram (unlawful in Islamic terms). The party has also expressed dissatisfaction with Shahbaz Sharif's stance.

According to CNN-News18, Mufti Taqi Usmani has questioned the granting of complete immunity to Pakistan's top military leadership. The Islamic scholar stated that Islamic principles do not allow any individual to be above accountability, whether that person is an ordinary citizen, a ruler, a general, or even a caliph. Such immunity, which places a person beyond accountability, is un-Islamic.

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Why the Discontent in JUI?

With the creation of the CDF position, Pakistan has opened the door to constitutional immunity. This grants the officeholder lifelong protection from criminal prosecution or civil proceedings for actions taken while in office. Taqi Usmani of the JUI, a part of the PDM alliance that removed Imran Khan from power in 2022, is unhappy with this development.

The JUI party has also accused the Shahbaz Sharif government of violating the principles of the Quran by granting Munir lifelong immunity. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also considers the government a puppet regime, with the real power resting with the army. The party believes that only Sharif's PML-N and Bilawal Bhutto's PPP are benefiting from being in power.

Fazlur Rehman to distance himself from the government

The report claims that Deobandi clerics are pressuring Fazlur Rehman to distance himself from the government, as it is widely seen as an "un-Islamic" alliance. This was evident in the statement by Taqi Usmani, who openly exacerbated the crisis for Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir.