Islamabad: In a move stirring both domestic and international intrigue, Pakistan’s Shahbaz Sharif-led government has promoted Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rarely conferred rank of Field Marshal, just days after the country faced a major military setback against India in Operation Sindoor.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the promotion was approved by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s cabinet in recognition of Munir’s “high strategy and courageous leadership” during recent military operations including Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. The statement praised Munir for leading the Pakistan Army with “exemplary courage and determination” and effectively coordinating the nation’s war efforts.
With this elevation, Munir becomes only the second officer in Pakistan’s history to attain the prestigious five-star rank, following General Ayub Khan in the 1960s. The promotion places him above the traditional four-star military structure, granting him unmatched symbolic authority within the armed forces.
However, the timing of the announcement has raised concerns. It follows Pakistan’s reported defeat in Operation Sindoor—an Indian military offensive targeting cross-border terror infrastructure. The operation, which reportedly inflicted heavy casualties on Pakistani forces, has cast a spotlight on Pakistan’s internal security capabilities and strategic vulnerabilities.
Who is Field Marshal Asim Munir?
General Munir’s rise through the military ranks has been unconventional. He entered the Pakistan Army in 1986 through the Officers Training School rather than the more elite Pakistan Military Academy, under the regime of then-military ruler General Zia-ul-Haq. His appointment as Army Chief in 2022—just two days before his scheduled retirement—was seen as controversial at the time.
Hailing from a modest background, Munir is the son of a local imam in Rawalpindi and is known for his devout religious views. He memorized the Quran in his youth and is widely regarded as being ideologically aligned with Zia-era conservatism and the hardline “bleed India with a thousand cuts” doctrine.
Munir also served as Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) during the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, a role that placed him at the heart of one of the most tense chapters in Indo-Pakistani relations.
Symbol of Strength or Strategic Diversion?
While the promotion has been officially framed as recognition of Munir’s leadership and commitment to national security, analysts say it also reflects a broader reassertion of military dominance in Pakistan’s governance. Critics argue that honoring Munir so soon after a military defeat suggests an attempt to consolidate internal control and project resilience in the face of mounting regional and international pressure.
The move adds a new layer to the evolving civil-military dynamics in Pakistan and underscores the enduring influence of the army in the country’s political and strategic decision-making.
