News Desk: Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has sharply criticized Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir following his recent elevation to the rank of Field Marshal, the country’s highest military honor. In a statement issued from prison, Khan ridiculed the move, suggesting that Munir should have declared himself “King” instead, given the state of governance in Pakistan.
“MashaAllah, General Asim Munir has been made Field Marshal. Though frankly, it might have been more fitting to give him the title of ‘King’ instead — because right now, the country is ruled by the law of the jungle. And in the jungle, there is only one king,” Khan said in a fiery message from behind bars.
General Munir’s promotion follows his role in the recent Operation Sindoor during the India-Pakistan conflict. He becomes only the second person in Pakistan’s history to be awarded the title of Field Marshal.
Imprisoned since August 2023, Khan also rejected media reports suggesting any political deal for his release, labeling such claims as “baseless lies.” However, he extended an olive branch to the military leadership, calling for national unity in the face of mounting challenges, including terrorism, economic instability, and regional threats.
“I have never asked for anything for myself before, nor will I now,” Khan stated. He also issued a stark warning to the government, expressing concern over a potential military strike from India and casting doubt on the legitimacy of the current democratic setup.
Notably, the title of Field Marshal is the highest rank in Pakistan’s military hierarchy. Before Munir, the only other individual to receive this distinction was Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan, who later became Pakistan’s first military ruler.
Ayub Khan rose to power in 1958 amid political turmoil. With the support of the army, then-President Iskander Mirza abrogated the constitution and appointed Ayub Khan—then Commander-in-Chief of the Army—as Chief Martial Law Administrator. Within days, Ayub staged a coup, deposed Mirza, and assumed the presidency. On the night of October 27, 1958, three top generals, acting under Ayub’s orders, entered the President House in Karachi, ending Mirza’s rule. He was subsequently exiled to London, where he lived until his death in 1969.
Ayub Khan’s ascension marked the beginning of Pakistan’s first full-scale military regime, setting a precedent that profoundly shaped the country’s political history.
