Army chiefs in Pakistan have always been the most powerful figures in the country, right from the days of General Ayub Khan. But what happens when a country — whose democratic credentials have often been questioned by the world — grants its army chief even greater authority and sweeping immunity? It is indeed bad news: not just for India but Pakistan itself.

On Thursday, President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment of the army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) for a period of five years. The post, created under the 27th constitutional amendment, brings all three forces – Army, Air Force and Navy – under a unified command which will be headed by Munir. Also Read | 'Islamist in uniform': Why Pakistan army chief Asim Munir is a dang

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