Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office announced on Tuesday that Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir has been promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, making him only the second person in the country’s history to attain the prestigious five-star military title. The announcement follows Pakistan’s declaration of victory in a recent four-day conflict with India, which escalated into a deadly exchange of military force before a ceasefire was reached on May 10.
According to the official statement, the federal cabinet approved Munir’s promotion in recognition of his “superior strategy and courageous leadership” during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, the name attributed to Pakistan’s military response in the standoff.
“The Government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir (Nishan-e-Imtiaz Military) to the rank of Field Marshal for ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy,” read the statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
In response to the honor, General Munir expressed his gratitude and dedicated the promotion to the people and armed forces of Pakistan. “This honor is the trust of the nation, for which millions of Asims can be sacrificed,” he was quoted as saying in a separate statement released by the military’s media wing.
Only Second Field Marshal in Pakistan’s History
General Munir is now the first Pakistani officer to be promoted to Field Marshal in nearly six decades. The only other military leader to hold this rank was General Ayub Khan, who declared himself a Field Marshal in 1965 during his presidency and military leadership.
Field Marshal is an honorary title and the highest rank in the military hierarchy, usually awarded in recognition of exceptional service during wartime or under extraordinary national circumstances. Security analysts suggest Munir will continue to serve as army chief, and his newly elevated status is expected to significantly bolster his authority within both military and civilian spheres.
A Powerful Role in a Military-Dominated System
General Asim Munir assumed the position of Chief of Army Staff in November 2022. His term was extended to five years through a parliamentary amendment in November 2023, up from the usual three-year tenure traditionally granted to army chiefs.
In Pakistan, the army chief is widely considered the most powerful figure in the country—often more influential than elected leaders. The military has ruled directly for almost half of Pakistan’s history, and even during periods of civilian government, the army chief plays a key role in shaping foreign policy, domestic governance, and national security decisions. In recent years, military leadership has also grown more active in the economic domain, with the army engaging in talks with foreign investors and multilateral institutions.
Greater Influence in Civil-Military Affairs
Commenting on the implications of Munir’s promotion, retired Lieutenant General Naeem Lodhi told media, “Definitely, his stature will now be higher across all forces, and his influence in civil matters, including government affairs, will also significantly increase.”
The move further consolidates General Munir’s position at a time when Pakistan continues to grapple with domestic instability, economic challenges, and complex regional dynamics. His elevation to field marshal not only symbolizes military success in the recent confrontation with India but also reflects a strategic decision by the civilian government to reinforce the military’s leadership role in national affairs.
With this historic promotion, General Munir becomes a symbol of continuity, strength, and assertive leadership at a critical juncture for Pakistan. Whether this will lead to greater stability or deeper civil-military entanglement remains to be seen.
