A promotion after defeat: What is behind Asim Munir’s field martial gambit
In a greater step in symbolism than the substance, Asim Munir, head of the powerful army of Pakistan, has been extended to the rare rank of Field Marshal. The announcement made by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday by the cabinet, marks such a first promotion in six decades. In 1959, only one other human-single dictator Ayub Khan won the title.But unlike Ayub, who honored themselves with rank amidst consolving their political power, the height of Munir falls on a heels of a military defeat. After a deadly attack in Pahgam, India was exchanged with a provocation, resulting in at least nine Pakistani airports. The disadvantage, while officially fell into Pakistan, exposed Muni politically.So why publicity? And why now?Promotion or protection?
- Officially, the move is being designed as a recognition of “strategic talent”. PM Sharif praised Munir’s “enemy’s decisive defeat”, stating that under his leadership, the military “strongly defended Pakistan’s sovereignty.” Munir called himself “an honor for the armed forces and the nation”.
- But some of Pakistan’s tightly controlled media scenario are buying it.
- “Field martial rank is usually honored after a military win,” Tilak Devasher, an experienced Pakistan’s seer, told The Economic Times. “This can be the first time that it has been honored after defeat-it intends to mask that abstinence.”
- Time is difficult to ignore. The people of Pakistan are still away from the outcome of India’s attacks, and internal dissatisfaction within the army is allegedly increasing.
- A widely broadcast letter from a group calls himself a “The Guardian of Honor”, accused Munir of corruption and military disability. The letter indicates that some analysts say it is calm but increases dissatisfaction within senior ranks.
A shield against the investigationIn a country where generals often enjoy impurities, field martial titles can do more as a legal and political armor as a mark of distinction. The ET report stated that some analysts witnessed promotion as a prior-step step to insulating Munir from a possible court martial or initial retirement.Legal experts say that the Pakistani Constitution rank does not mention. Nor Pakistan Army Act. Instead, promotion was reportedly done under Rule 199A of Army Rules (1998), stating that a general can be promoted to field marshal “in relation to seniority or any specific appointment”.In short, this step lifts Munir above the army’s existing command structure and, potentially, above accountability.All ceremonies, no strategyHowever technically formal, rank bears powerful political meaning. Pakistan’s civil-monkey power dynamic, optics often matters more than the operational command.Former Chairman of the Senate Defense Committee, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said, “Muni is now very high in the driving seat as the axis of the power structure.” “Given the weakness and division among the civil politicians … all the mainstream political forces were sure that the road to Islamabad was through Rawalpindi.”This reality is reflected in the government’s decision together to increase the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babur Sidhu-Hice Second Extension. It was credited for executing Operation Bianun Marsos of Pakistan’s ventilative air campaign against Operation Sindoor of India. Nevertheless, in a tightly managed information environment, the military version of events prevail. The state media announced the historic victory. Social media was filled with hashtags like #Pakistanstandsunited. Meanwhile, voices-genelists, analysts, even former officials woke up from the screen.Big photo: war at home
- Munir’s rise comes in a delicate moment for Pakistan. The ceasefire with India has been held for now. But the diplomat is a volatile domestic landscape under the calm:
- Security turmoil -bottle: More than 3,700 terrorist incidents have killed about 3,900 people in the last 17 months, especially according to ISPR data for a deteriorating internal security environment in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- political unrest: Former PM Imran Khan’s jelling and Daman of PTI supporters have promoted a disregard of disregard. Critics accused Munir of taking advantage of the Pahalgam terrorist incident to strengthen power.
- Economic fragility: Taters on the side of Pakistan’s economy, with rising inflation, IMF-dependence, and suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of India. The growing political role of the army is being investigated to increase instability.
- The observers note that Munir is not only defending the national boundaries-he is navigating a maze of domestic weaknesses that can highlight his authority.
- Two-nation theory and his use of religious rhetoric to frame India’s struggle was seen by critics as an attempt to rally the nation. But the strategy may be back. Analysts Ashok Bahuria and Uttam Sinha said in a joint comment in TOI, “Instead of uniting the nation, Gambit attracted attention to the wide fractures of Pakistan.”
Imran Khan’s ghostMunir’s political calculus also includes a growing challenge from behind bars: former Prime Minister Imran Khan. His PTI party called Munir “warmongar and coward”, accusing him of pulling Pakistan into war to strengthen power. Khan’s moral right, strongly stronger with his imprisonment, continues to raise his base.Sharif’s civilian government, already seen as a military, at the risk of further erosion of validity. As a viral meme said: “The war was fought by the Air Force. The army chief promoted. The only contribution of the army tanks is hidden in the video and bunkers.”What will happen next
- Munir’s height for field marshal is not about military strategy-it is about political existence. It is about offering power to a fragmented command structure, muffling dissatisfaction, and increasing weakness.
- Although promotion can temporarily strengthen the situation of Muni, it does not erase further challenges:
- There are internal threats from Baloch separatists to resurrection Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
- The political return of PTI is also growing from jail with the moral benefits of Khan.
- Citizen-monsi tension can be faster, especially if the rank is seen as an attempt to calm dissatisfaction or toplace institutional investigations.
- Munir is also concerned that eventually an infection should be in a political role as President. Ayub Khan set an example. In Pakistan’s delicate democracy, some will be surprised if history is sung again.
(With input from agencies)
