It is a super-elite military club, unlike any South Asia. By May 20, 2025, this exclusive field of field marshal had only three former army chiefs as their members. Sam Manekshaw and Km Cariappa from India and Ayub Khan of Pakistan.
On Tuesday he had a new and surprising participant who served the Chief of Pakistani Army Asim Munir.
The government promoted the chief of the Army Staff Gen Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal as a recognition of his “strategic leadership and decisive role” in the defeat of India in the conflict that began this month after the incident of Pahalgam in Kashmir.
Read also: What is a field marshal rank? How many generals were promoted to this highest position in India and Pakistan?
It is indicated that the civilian leadership in Pakistan may be again at Backfoot, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif published on X and said, “Under his command, our brave armed force firmly prevented the sovereignty of Pakistan and territorial integrity with unity, courage and the highest standards of military professionalism.”
Vijay Zambiar, a former Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan, believes that this “appointment is an attempt to build a false structure”. While he agreed that he could potentially represent a heavier line against India, and told Zambiar to this reporter that he lacks true credibility to such an appointment.
Munirova height has caused speculation between experts about a growing shift towards the military government in Pakistan. Analysts suggest that as a result of the Sindoor Indian Army surgery, the Pakistani army seems to have become more and more controlling control of a civilian government led by Shehbaz Sharia.
He is the second chief of the army in the history of the country that has achieved this position, followed by the former general rule of Mohammad Ayub Khan in 1959.
Says Ayesha Siddiqa, the most famous Pakistani expert on all military affairs: “It was in a way. Pakistan did not lose the war with India and was in the country in the country.
Munirova’s promotion has launched extensive speculation about its consequences for the Pakistani higher defense organization (HDO), including the common chiefs of the Staff Committee (JCSC), headed by its chairman, and three heads (Army, Navy, Air Force).
Mostly ceremonial name
Although the five-star title is largely solemn, questions about its impact on civil-arbitration, the operating command chain and the future of defense management were also raised.
Pakistan has an important history of the military government, while the army has directly managed the country for about half of its existence since 1947. This includes the period as 1958-1971, 1977-1988 and 1999-2008. Even during the civilian government, the army had a significant impact and often controlled the strength behind the scenes, including interference in the elections whenever they were held.
Read also: Who is asim munir? All you need to know about the controversial army of Pakistan
The rank of field marshal symbolizes exceptional “war leadership”. In the case of a new Pakistani -field marshal, experts ask how this sentence applies when the Indians hit Pakistan and Pakistan occupied by Kashmir (POK) missiles 7 May. India said it hit nine “terrorist infrastructures”, some of which were associated with an attack by Islamist militants.
The position of a field marshal does not keep any other command power or payments. However, it allows the holder to stay on the active list even after retirement, allowing them to wear uniforms and display special badges for life. This rank includes privileges such as five stars on the official vehicle, and the use of a special baton during greetings.
(Tagstotranslate) Shehbaz Sharif
