Asim Munir Army chief in spotlight

In the 77 years since Pakistan was established, its affairs and politics have long been governed by the whims of its generals.

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It is still widely understood that the most powerful man in Pakistan is not the head of the government but instead the chief of the army.

Since Gen Asim Munir took over that role more than two years ago, he has been accused of consolidating greater power without even having to topple the country's civilian rulers.

While keeping himself largely out of the limelight, he established an iron grip over the army and bent government policy and even the supreme court to his will.

In recent weeks, as Pakistan and India have come closer to all-out war than they have in decades, all eyes have been on Munir.

He is known to cut an unusual figure for an army chief. Rather than coming from an elite military family, his fled India during partition in 1947 and his father was a teacher. He entered Pakistan's army through officer training school rather than the more prestigious military academy.

However, he worked his way up the ranks quickly, becoming the border. "We are celebrating the bravery of our armed forces today who defended us," he said.

He offered his gratitude to Trump. "We were so close to war so his involvement was very welcome. But we have to say that without resolving the Kashmir issue long term, peace can't prevail in the region."