Pakistan’s military has seen a surge in public approval following a May 2025 clash with India, boosting its image as the nation’s defender. Al Jazeera reports that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military leaders, including General Syed Asim Munir, have capitalized on this “rally around the flag” effect.
However, analysts like Niloufer Siddiqui warn that such support may be fleeting. The military’s historical role as Pakistan’s ideological and physical guardian remains central, despite past tensions with leaders like Imran Khan, ousted in 2022. Public celebrations on May 11 reflected this renewed support, but experts caution that ongoing regional tensions and domestic challenges could shift sentiment. This dynamic may influence Pakistan’s foreign policy and regional relations, particularly with India.