Notification for Field Marshal Asim Munir’s Appointment as Chief of Defence Forces May Already Be Issued: Hanif Abbasi

ISLAMABAD: Federal Railways Minister **Hanif Abbasi** has said that **Field Marshal Asim Munir** is effectively the **Chief of Defence Forces**, adding that it is possible the official notification of his appointment has already been issued. “We will announce it whenever we choose,” he said while speaking to a private TV channel.

Abbasi praised Field Marshal Asim Munir, claiming that Pakistan has gained unprecedented respect internationally because of him. He further stated that General Asim Munir shot down Indian aircraft “while staying within his domain,” an action he said was acknowledged globally.

Commenting on domestic politics, Abbasi said the PTI is living in an illusionary state. “We have endured many imprisonments but never conspired against the country,” he remarked. He questioned who attempted to obstruct General Asim Munir’s appointment as Army Chief through a long march and issued threats to the Prime Minister at that time.

Hanif Abbasi also criticized Defence Minister **Khawaja Asif**, saying he should not speak about former Army Chief **Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa** because he benefitted from him in the past. “A person who forgets past favors will talk the same way about today’s government,” he added. Abbasi clarified that he maintains consistent respect for **Nawaz Sharif** and Field Marshal Asim Munir and will continue to do so.

He said there is no communication between him and Khawaja Asif due to a lack of personal or political closeness. Abbasi added that Prime Minister **Shehbaz Sharif** is burdened with numerous responsibilities and does not have time for political reconciliation efforts.

Speaking about his relationship with former finance minister **Ishaq Dar**, Abbasi said it is “spiritual,” adding that he affectionately calls him *Pir Sahib*. He clarified that Ishaq Dar never asked him to criticize Khawaja Asif.

Abbasi also expressed respect for **Maulana Fazlur Rehman** but condemned his recent remarks about **Maryam Nawaz**, saying that if he considers her like his daughter, such comments are inappropriate.

Referring to former ISI chief **Lt Gen Faiz Hameed**, Abbasi claimed that when he was in power, he believed no one was monitoring him, but all his activities were being recorded and eventually exposed. He added that while enemies may dream of dividing national institutions, if someone within attempts it, their actions must be uncovered.