As Pakistan struggles financially, with the Shahbaz Sharif government often depending on international entities like the IMF or foreign allies for monetary support, Army Chief Aasim Munir seems to live in an entirely different realm of opulence. His scheduled visit to Sri Lanka from July 20-24 seems less of a diplomatic mission and more like an extravagant holiday funded by taxpayers.
This upcoming foreign trip promises luxury, where Munir would travel to Sri Lanka on a special aircraft. During his visit, he will enjoy bike escorts, and explore parts of the lush island. He plans to indulge in Sri Lankan tourism, not through cars, but with the convenience of helicopters, viewing famous sites like Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Adam’s Peak from the skies.
Amid an economic crisis with foreign debts over $133 billion, with inflation and unemployment at alarming levels, Pakistani citizens struggle to access even subsidized flour. Hence, questions about Aasim Munir's opulent trip are indeed valid.
It is believed Munir will stay at Colombo's most luxurious five-star hotels. The irony lies in Pakistan’s restraint on ministerial luxury trips, yet sparing no expense for their army chief’s lavish journeys.
Ministerial foreign trips banned, yet treasury opens for Munir
Given the national debt, Pakistan has halted official foreign trips for cabinet ministers and imposed restrictions on luxury hotel stays and unnecessary expenditures. Nevertheless, rules seem not to apply to Army Chief Aasim Munir, who is often viewed as the country’s indirect leader.
Munir's lavish journey feels like salt on the wounds for the ordinary citizens distressed by economic hardships and inflation. This isn't his first controversial trip; past visits have stirred public anger too. Notably, after his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, reports of his extensive shopping sprees in America faced public backlash and criticism on social media.
