Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani ranks 20th in the elite list.
Kayani and his troops remain the dominant power in what could be the most dangerous country in the world, says Newsweek, adding that 'the general is responsible for Pakistan's nukes; for the battle against Al Qaeda and its tribal allies along the Afghan border; and for managing tensions with neighbour India.'
'In the wake of the November terrorist attacks in Mumbai, Kayani stood firm on Pakistan's sovereignty while also taking measures against the alleged sponsors of the outrage.'
Photograph: Reuters/Inter Services Public Relations/Handout