In a highly controversial move, Pakistan has promoted its Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, marking only the second time in the country's 78-year history that such a title has been bestowed. The only previous holder of this title was Ayub Khan, who became Field Marshal after leading a military coup in 1958. The current promotion has been described by critics as a dangerous signal of growing military dominance in Pakistani politics, especially in the aftermath of India’s Operation Sindoor, which dealt a humiliating blow to Pakistan's armed forces.

A Historic Yet Alarming Promotion

The title of Field Marshal in Pakistan is not honorary—it carries with it an extraordinary level of immunity and authority. No court in the country can legally prosecute a Field Marshal, effectively placing the holder above judicial scrutiny. General Munir's elevation to this rank, while still retaining his post as Army Chief, means he now holds absolute operational and legal power in Pakistan’s civil-military framework.

This has sparked intense debate and criticism across political, legal, and civil society quarters. Observers are labeling this development as "a silent military coup" backed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who not only approved but also publicly celebrated the promotion. Critics argue that such a move essentially institutionalises military supremacy over civilian governance, placing Pakistan's fragile democracy under severe threat.

Legacy of Ayub Khan and Echoes of the Past

Ayub Khan’s self-declared promotion to Field Marshal in 1959 came after he dismantled the civilian government in 1958, setting a dangerous precedent. While Asim Munir has not seized power through a military takeover, many experts believe that the legitimacy offered by a civilian government to a serving general for such a rank blurs the boundaries between military authority and democratic accountability.

Operation Sindoor: A Setback Glossed Over

Munir’s promotion comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, an Indian military operation launched on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). While Indian officials touted the operation as a strategic success, Pakistan’s military claimed to have repelled the attacks—a narrative seen by most international defence analysts as propaganda lacking credibility.

According to these experts, the operation exposed critical gaps in Pakistan’s defence preparedness and strategic response. Yet, rather than holding the military leadership accountable for these lapses, the government has chosen to reward General Munir with a promotion to the highest military rank possible.

Unprecedented Power Consolidation

With this new title, General Munir now wears a fifth star on his uniform—a symbolic and constitutional marker of ultimate military authority. Moreover, he has not stepped down from his position as Army Chief, effectively allowing him to consolidate both symbolic and operational command over the military apparatus.

Adding to the controversy, his tenure as Army Chief has reportedly been extended to 2027, despite being originally scheduled to end on November 29, 2025. This dual-hold on power makes Munir the most powerful man in Pakistan, arguably above the Prime Minister, the judiciary, and certainly beyond democratic checks and balances.

Propaganda Blitz and Public Backlash

Over the past several weeks, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has conducted a widespread media campaign claiming Munir’s strategic brilliance in foiling India's offensive. However, no independent or international evidence has backed these claims. Instead, the campaign is being viewed as a preparatory propaganda tool to justify Munir's unprecedented promotion and cement his image as Pakistan's ultimate saviour.

This orchestrated narrative has backfired among large sections of the population and civil society, who see the move as an insult to Pakistan’s democratic institutions and a mockery of the military’s actual performance during recent conflicts.

Imran Khan's Camp Lashes Out

The promotion has been met with fierce criticism from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. His supporters have described the move as nothing short of a military takeover with civilian consent.

Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, delivered a sharp remark, stating, “Instead of making Asim Munir a Field Marshal, Shehbaz Sharif should have just declared him the Baadshah (Emperor) of Pakistan.” Her words resonate with many who see the move as Shehbaz Sharif surrendering democratic authority to the military to ensure political survival.

What Lies Ahead for Pakistan’s Democracy

Pakistan’s democracy has long been under the shadow of military influence, with multiple coups and repeated interference in civil governance. Munir’s elevation to Field Marshal has reignited fears of another indirect military rule, this time not through tanks on the streets but legal promotions and civilian endorsements.

With a Field Marshal now holding all operational powers and a legally untouchable status, the balance of power in Pakistan has tilted decisively in favour of the military establishment. Civil society groups, human rights activists, and opposition parties fear that this could set the stage for increased censorship, political arrests, and suppression of dissent.

International observers and watchdogs are closely monitoring the situation, with growing concern that Pakistan may be entering a new era of democratic backsliding, masked under constitutional and ceremonial garbs.

In conclusion, Asim Munir’s promotion to Field Marshal is more than a symbolic gesture. It represents a structural shift in Pakistan’s governance model, where the line between military command and civilian rule is rapidly disappearing. Whether this will result in another overt coup or continued behind-the-scenes control, one thing is certain — Pakistan's democracy is once again walking a razor's edge.

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