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- By Shivangi Sharma
- Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:13 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pakistan Army's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, has been making headlines lately due to the recent terror attack at Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor. On his second US visit, Munir had gone on record stating that Pakistan would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons and missiles against India. But apart from his army career, what's more remarkable is the extent of his wealth and power, a big difference compared to Pakistan's persistent economic crisis.
From Soldier To Business Tycoon
In Pakistan, being the Army Chief is not only a uniformed role; it's almost like being the CEO of a huge conglomerate. Media reports claim the Pakistan Army has over 100 companies in different sectors generating billions in revenues. These revenues not only contribute to military expenditures but also pocket senior officials such as Munir.
Even Asia's wealthiest individual, Mukesh Ambani, is not the CEO of so many firms. Essentially, Munir exercises both military and business power, rendering him among the most powerful people in the nation.
A Vast Business Empire
The business presence of the Pakistan Army goes much beyond defence. It controls industries such as real estate, manufacturing, banking, and agriculture. Its main arms are the Fauji Foundation, Army Welfare Trust, Shaheen Foundation, and Bahria Foundation. Officially referred to as "welfare organisations," in fact, they are high-profit business corporations.
The Defence Housing Authority (DHA), the most prominent of these endeavours, is worth the billions and has converted land acquired by the military into high-end housing developments in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
Asim Munir's Net Worth
Based on estimates available, Field Marshal Asim Munir's personal net worth is approximately USD 800,000 (around Rs 7 crore). While this might appear low compared to world billionaires, within Pakistan's military hierarchy, it is a considerable personal fortune, particularly when combined with the availability of the army's extensive resources and privileges.
The wider military-owned business conglomerate is estimated to be worth USD 40–100 billion, as Pakistani writer Ayesha Siddiqa in her book Military Inc: Inside Pakistan's Military Economy conducted research. The fortunes derive from industries as diverse as cement and fertilisers to dairy, transportation, and, most profitably, real estate.
Munir's extravagant lifestyle, including official houses, luxury vehicles, and elite privileges, stands in stark contrast to the dismal economic reality of common Pakistanis. With inflation at record levels, unemployment rampant, and foreign reserves shrinking, the image of an army chief in opulence has added to public ire.