Pakistan’s New Field Marshal: Echoes of a Dictatorial Past?
In a significant development, Pakistan’s government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has elevated Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir to the prestigious rank of Field Marshal, making him only the second military officer in the nation’s history to hold this title. The decision, announced on May 20, 2025, by state-run Pakistan Television (PTV), was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Sharif. The promotion was justified as recognition of Munir’s “unparalleled leadership” and role in “ensuring the security of the country” during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, specifically India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist infrastructure following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media arm of Pakistan’s military, reported that Field Marshal Munir dedicated his new rank to the nation, its armed forces, and its martyrs. Prime Minister Sharif praised Munir’s strategic leadership during the conflict, claiming the military had thwarted India’s “nefarious designs.” However, the promotion has sparked concerns among critics within Pakistan, who fear it strengthens the military’s dominance over civilian governance. This apprehension is heightened by Pakistan’s history, where military coups have repeatedly disrupted democratic processes.
The only other Pakistani officer to hold the Field Marshal rank was General Ayub Khan, who assumed the title in 1959 and later became a military dictator after imposing martial law and exiling civilian leaders. News18 highlighted that Munir’s elevation grants him institutional immunity from scrutiny or post-retirement prosecution, raising questions about potential parallels with Ayub Khan’s era. Some media outlets have noted that the promotion comes despite Pakistan’s significant losses during Operation Sindoor, which included the destruction of 11 air bases and over 100 terrorists killed, as reported by India’s military officials.
Social media reactions have been critical, with users questioning Munir’s promotion given the military setbacks. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with some drawing comparisons to Ayub Khan’s self-promotion during Pakistan’s 1965 war defeat against India. The timing of the decision also coincides with Pakistan’s efforts to counter India’s narrative of terrorism, as it seeks support from the US and EU. Critics argue that the move signals a further erosion of democratic governance, especially amidst domestic challenges like the Baloch insurgency and economic difficulties.
Field Marshal Munir’s tenure as Army Chief, which began in November 2022, has been marked by his consolidation of power, including the appointment of ISI chief Lt. Gen. Asim Malik as National Security Advisor. His reported role in orchestrating the Pahalgam attack and his invocation of the “two-nation theory” have further fueled tensions with India. As Pakistan navigates this volatile period, the promotion of Munir to Field