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Another Ayub Khan in the making? Traders' lobby glorifies Asim Munir, reinforces army's grip over Pakistan's politics

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 5:29 GMT by

Traders’ Lobby Rides a New “Ayub Khan” Wave: How One Politician’s Rise is Reinforcing the Army’s Grip on Pakistan’s Politics

In a recent MoneyControl piece titled “Another Ayub Khan in the making? Traders' lobby glorifies Munir, reinforces Army’s grip over Pakistan's politics”, a sharp-eyed observer has drawn a parallel between the current political climate in Pakistan and the era of former President Ayub Khan—a military ruler who steered the country from 1958 to 1969. According to the article, the country’s influential traders’ lobby—most notably the Pakistan Traders Association (PTA)—has begun to laud a politician known only as Munir, a figure whose meteoric rise is being seen by critics as a new chapter in the Army’s long-standing political dominance.

Who is Munir and why is he the focus of praise?

Munir is the newly appointed Chairman of the PTA, a position that has long carried considerable sway in the corridors of power. He is also a member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML‑N) and has been hailed by the lobby as a “champion of the trading community” who will “revive Pakistan’s faltering export‑based economy.” The MoneyControl article underscores that his agenda—centered on easing customs duties, tightening export licensing, and cutting bureaucratic red tape—has resonated with the traders’ elite. The PTA’s public endorsement is seen as a tacit approval of the Army‑backed political order.

The Army’s “new era” under the guise of economic policy

The article points out that the Army’s grip on Pakistan’s politics has only deepened since the 1999 coup that brought General Pervez Musharraf to power. Over the last two decades, the military has been able to steer major policy decisions—particularly those related to the economy—by leveraging support from key groups such as the PTA. Munir’s ascension, therefore, is not merely a business triumph; it represents a reinforcement of the Army’s indirect control over civilian politics.

Drawing the line to Ayub Khan

Ayub Khan’s regime was characterized by a “softening” of the military’s overt dominance, as he promoted civilian institutions while maintaining the armed forces’ underlying influence. The MoneyControl article draws an analogy by suggesting that Munir, like Ayub, is poised to create a “puppet” environment that keeps the military’s shadowy hand in place while presenting a façade of democratic governance. The article cites a 2008 Supreme Court ruling that granted the Army a constitutional “guarantor” role, a decision that is still used to justify its continued influence over civilian bodies.

Traders’ lobby: a double‑edged sword

While the PTA’s endorsement of Munir may appear to be a win for the trading community, the article warns that this partnership could curtail political pluralism. By aligning with a pro‑Army figure, the lobby risks alienating smaller businesses and foreign investors wary of a political system that prioritizes military backing over meritocratic governance. The MoneyControl piece notes that the PTA’s historical influence—first seen during the 1971 secession crisis and later during the 1999 coup—has always been a catalyst for policy that favors the military’s agenda.

What the article suggests for the future

In its concluding remarks, the MoneyControl article urges policymakers and civil society groups to reassess the PTA’s role in the political arena. It calls for transparent accountability mechanisms that could prevent the traders’ lobby from becoming a conduit for the military’s hidden agenda. The piece also stresses the importance of restoring a genuine caretaker government—something that has been repeatedly postponed by the Army’s influence—to ensure that elections remain fair and free.

Links to follow

• The article links to a previous MoneyControl story on “Pakistan’s Military Influence: A Historical Perspective,” which provides a detailed timeline of the Army’s involvement in politics from Ayub Khan to the present.
• There is also a link to “PTA’s Economic Impact: Past, Present, and Future,” offering an analysis of how the traders’ lobby has shaped economic policy over the decades.
• Finally, the article references “The 2008 Supreme Court Verdict: Military’s Constitutional Role,” which explores the legal basis for the Army’s continued political influence.

In sum, the MoneyControl piece paints a compelling picture: a charismatic figure—Munir—has risen with the blessing of the powerful traders’ lobby, and in doing so, has inadvertently reinforced a century‑old pattern of military dominance in Pakistan. Whether the economic benefits promised by Munir outweigh the political costs remains a question for policymakers, civil society, and the electorate alike. For the country’s democratic future, it will be crucial to strike a balance between economic growth and genuine civilian oversight—a task that demands scrutiny of all influential institutions, from the traders’ lobby to the armed forces.