Amid economic turmoil, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir embarks on lavish Sri Lanka getaway

While Pakistan is struggling with its share of economic turmoil, the country’s Army Chief and the newly designated Field Mashall Asim Munir is reportedly set to embark on a lavish trip to Sri Lanka. According to the information obtained by News18, Munir’s travel would feature high-end amenities such as special aircraft, bike escorts, city tours, and helicopter rides.

However, all these facilities were in sharp contrast to the austerity measures imposed on ordinary Pakistanis and officials while the country was suffering from a historic economic crisis. According to News18, Munir would take on the luxury-filled visit to Sri Lanka from July 20–23.

What is concerning is the fact that some of the amenities Munir would enjoy are denied to Pakistan’s cabinet ministers under strict regulations, to save money. The trip is also coming at a time when Pakistan is trying to revive itself with the bailout package it received from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) earlier this year.

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What does Munir’s lavish trip to Sri Lanka entail

Munir’s luxurious itinerary includes a helicopter journey to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage; flyovers of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Adam’s Peak, and visits to Kandy’s famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The Pakistani army chief will reportedly stay at one of Colombo’s most exclusive hotels, a privilege explicitly banned for other government officials during the current fiscal crisis. Munir’s travel plans read more like a high-end vacation than a diplomatic mission.

Apart from his trips across Sri Lanka, Munir will also hold talks with the Deputy Minister of Defence, the Defence Secretary, and the President of Sri Lanka, News18 reported.

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The timing of it all

The lavish trip comes as ordinary Pakistanis endure soaring inflation, declining incomes, and government-imposed belt-tightening, and public outrage over elite privilege and lack of accountability. The optics of the visit are concerning since the Pakistani government is already pleading with its creditors to delay repayments.

Interestingly, this is not an isolated incident. During his visit to the United States, Munir reportedly went on a shopping spree at a US mall. These instances bring scrutiny to the Pakistani military’s privileged position in a cash-strapped country.

This can be reflected by the fact that the military’s business interests, which account for a significant portion of the Pakistani economy, largely remain untaxed. Apart from this, reports and commentary in both domestic and international media suggest that Pakistan may be on the brink of another military coup.

Tensions between the civilian and the military leadership have been widening as Munir continues to represent Pakistan in numerous foreign trips, while the country’s president and prime minister remain on the sidelines.