ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s chief of army staff is de facto the most powerfulperson in the nuclear armed state,” says *Forbes* about Gen Bajwalink>.

“Javed Bajwa joins the world’s most powerful at a time when the riftbetween India and Pakistan is improving, partly thanks to his efforts.”

*Forbes*, a New York-based bi-weekly magazine, observed that Gen Bajwa hasa “difficult task” on his hands of maintaining peace in Pakistan, wheremilitant groups are present, “while managing a complex relationship withIndia”.

“Two years into his tenure as the head of the world’s sixth largest army,Bajwa has established himself as a mediator and proponent of democracy,”the magazine wrote.

Gen Bajwa is one of 17 new entrants to the list. Of these, Saudi CrownPrince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS), the Kingdom’s de factor leader, is theonly one who has made it to the top 10.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been ranked 9th on the list, whileGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel, ranked 4th, is the only woman among thetop 10.

*Forbes*’ yearly ranking of The World’s Most Powerful People identifies oneperson out of every 100 million “whose actions mean the most”.