A Historic Promotion in Troubled Times
On May 20, in a move that has stirred widespread political and strategic concern, Islamabad promoted General Asim Munir—the current Chief of Army Staff—to the rank of field marshal, the highest ceremonial position in Pakistan’s military hierarchy. The decision was finalized in a Cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, coming just days after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire, halting a dangerous escalation along the border.
Far from a celebration of military victory, Munir’s elevation has sparked debates about the increasing grip of the military over Pakistan’s civilian institutions, with many warning that the move represents a creeping return to military authoritarianism.
Only the Second in Pakistan’s History
Munir’s new title places him beside only one other figure in Pakistan’s history—Field Marshal Ayub Khan, who conferred the rank upon himself in 1959 following a successful military coup and seizure of power. This historical parallel is deeply symbolic and politically loaded.
Unlike Ayub Khan, who secured the title following a direct takeover, Munir’s rise comes under the veil of constitutional civilian approval. However, the timing and rationale behind the promotion suggest a different narrative—one of military consolidation under the guise of national security.
The Rise of a Theologically-Toned Commander
General Asim Munir’s journey is unlike that of his predecessors. He is Pakistan’s first madrasa-educated army chief, hailing from a family of Syeds who migrated from India in 1947. His speeches often include strong religious rhetoric, grounded in the Two-Nation Theory, emphasizing the ideological and cultural separation between Muslims and Hindus.
In a recent address, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s claim over Kashmir as the nation’s “jugular vein” and urged Pakistanis to teach their children that they are inherently different from Hindus—a move that many see as reinforcing sectarian nationalism.
This infusion of theological language into military discourse is seen by analysts as a calculated strategy to shape national identity through religion—a hallmark tactic used by Pakistan’s military to maintain influence over domestic politics.
Promotion After Setbacks, Not Successes
The promotion’s timing has raised eyebrows both within Pakistan and internationally. Just ten days before the announcement, Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire with India after several days of border conflict. Contrary to government claims of strategic success, satellite imagery revealed extensive damage to Pakistani air bases and terrorist infrastructure, raising serious questions about the claim of "victory."
Despite this, the Pakistani government justified Munir’s promotion as a reward for “exemplary leadership” during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and Marka-i-Haq, claiming that Munir coordinated national defense in a comprehensive manner. The move appears to be more about managing perception than celebrating actual military achievement.
As Pakistan expert Tilak Devasher observed, “This may be the first time a field marshal rank has been awarded after a defeat. It seems intended to mask that defeat and tighten the army's hold on power.”
A Government in Uniform?
Critics argue that the promotion is less about Munir’s battlefield performance and more about entrenching military dominance over civilian governance. With the rank of field marshal being a lifelong appointment, it effectively cements Munir’s influence over Pakistan’s security and political landscape.
Moreover, Munir has already received a controversial extension as army chief until 2027—beyond the usual three-year term—raising suspicions about plans for long-term military influence. The move also protects him from potential internal accountability, such as a court martial, by placing him above conventional oversight mechanisms.
Former Indian Army officer Major Manik M Jolly aptly summarized the sentiment: “Promoting Munir to field marshal just proves how helpless and useless Pakistan’s government and civil administration are. Musharraf 2.0 loading.”
Echoes of Ayub Khan
The shadow of Ayub Khan looms large over Munir’s promotion. In 1958, Khan was appointed Chief Martial Law Administrator by President Iskander Mirza, who hoped to control him. But within a year, Khan ousted Mirza, declared himself president, and installed Pakistan’s first military regime—a rule that lasted over a decade, marked by censorship, repression, and a permanent militarization of governance.
Observers now worry that Munir’s trajectory mirrors Ayub’s: a ceremonial promotion, followed by deep institutional consolidation, and possibly, eventual assumption of executive power. The similarities are chilling for those familiar with Pakistan’s turbulent history of democracy interrupted by the barrel of a gun.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Munir’s promotion is not just symbolic—it is strategic. It reinforces the military’s supremacy in a country where elected governments have long been subordinated to military elites. At a time when Pakistan faces economic collapse, internal unrest, and diplomatic isolation, the decision to glorify the military amid clear operational setbacks suggests a regime seeking legitimacy through rank, not reform.
This is not just about one man or one title—it’s about the direction of a nation. As Pakistan stands at a crossroads, the lesson from history is clear: military dominance brings neither lasting peace nor genuine democracy.
The question now is not whether Pakistan has crowned a field marshal—but whether it has once again surrendered itself to the rule of the uniform.
(With agency inputs)
