Pakistan Makes Asim Munir Field Marshal to Boost Army Morale
Pakistan promoted General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal. (Image X)
Asim Munir Promoted to Field Marshal, Pakistan’s Second to Hold Prestigious Rank
By TRH News Desk
NEW DELHI, MAY 21, 2025 –Pakistan promoted General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Pakistani Army, to the rank of Field Marshal. The Cabinet of Pakistan decided on the promotion, which made Munir only the second Pakistani to hold the rank of the prestigious five-star rank.
The announcement was made by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The development signals Munir’s growing hold on Pakistan’s politics in the wake of the four-day-long conflicts with India.
Pakistani daily Dawn in a report said, “General Asim Munir has been elevated to the rank of Field Marshal, a rare honour last bestowed upon Field Marshal Ayub Khan in 1965.” The promotion, effective immediately, underscores Munir’s influential role in shaping Pakistan’s defence and security policies.
Express Tribune detailed the ceremony, noting, “The promotion was approved by President Asif Ali Zardari, following a recommendation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The event was marked by a formal parade at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, attended by senior military officials and government representatives.”
The outlet highlighted that Munir’s elevation to Field Marshal is seen as a “recognition of his leadership during critical operations, including counter-terrorism efforts and border security”. But Munir got the rare honour just after India struck deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK) against terror bases, as well as Pakistan’s Air Force bases.
Geo News quoted an ISPR statement, which read, “Field Marshal Asim Munir’s promotion reflects his exemplary service and dedication to the nation. This rank, the highest in the Pakistan Army, symbolizes his strategic vision and operational excellence.”
The promotion comes at a time when Pakistan faces multifaceted security challenges, including tensions with India and internal stability concerns.
The rank of Field Marshal is rarely conferred and carries no additional constitutional powers but signifies immense prestige. Munir had assumed the role of COAS in November 2022. His promotion follows a controversial tenure, marked by allegations of political interference and criticism from opposition figures, as reported by The News International.
Munir’s rise to Field Marshal has sparked debates about the military’s role in Pakistan’s governance. Dawn noted, “The promotion has been viewed by some as a move to consolidate military influence, especially given Munir’s extension as COAS from three to five years in November 2024.”
This extension, passed by Pakistan’s ruling coalition, was described by Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, as strengthening “the most powerful post in Pakistan,” according to a CNN report.
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera quoted a Pakistani military analyst, who said, “This is a morale booster for the armed forces and a message to adversaries that Pakistan’s military leadership remains steadfast.”
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