Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir Promoted to Field Marshal Rank

In a move that has shocked many and drawn widespread criticism, the Government of Pakistan has promoted General Asim Munir, the current Chief of Army Staff, to the rank of Field Marshal—just days after the nation suffered a significant military setback during India’s Operation Sindoor. This controversial elevation, the first since Ayub Khan in 1959, comes at a time when Pakistan’s military leadership is under intense scrutiny for its strategic failures and declining credibility on the global stage.

In a significant development amid escalating regional tensions, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, has been promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, the country’s highest military rank. The decision was approved by Pakistan’s Cabinet during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office and reported by Reuters.

This move comes shortly after heightened military activity and cross-border exchanges between India and Pakistan. According to state-run PTV, the promotion recognizes Munir’s “exemplary role” in defending Pakistan’s national security and prestige during the recent standoff.

During a speech in Rawalpindi on May 5, General Munir had stated, “Pakistan seeks peace in the region and beyond; however, if Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are violated, Pakistan will respond with full force to preserve its national prestige and the well-being of its people.”

General Asim Munir has served as Pakistan’s 11th Chief of Army Staff since November 2022, when he succeeded General Qamar Javed Bajwa. His tenure was extended in November 2024 from three to five years, reflecting the confidence of the civilian leadership in his command during a sensitive geopolitical period.

Prior to his role as Army Chief, Munir served as the head of Pakistan’s powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), notably during the critical post-Pulwama period in 2019. His tenure at ISI was marked by increasing tensions with India, especially after the Pulwama suicide bombing that killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel.

The promotion to Field Marshal is rare in Pakistan’s military history and marks a symbolic consolidation of authority at a time when Pakistan’s military plays a dominant role not only in defense matters but also in national politics and internal security. The move also comes after the Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled in favor of military courts trying civilians, further strengthening the Army’s legal authority under Munir’s leadership.

Background on Field Marshal Rank:

The rank of Field Marshal is largely ceremonial in many modern militaries but historically signifies supreme military command. The only previous Pakistani officer to hold the rank was Field Marshal Ayub Khan, who later became the President of Pakistan.

General Asim Munir’s elevation to Field Marshal comes amid rising nationalist sentiment and strategic posturing, both regionally and globally, as Pakistan seeks to reinforce its military stature.