Pakistan's democracy facing coup: Will 'failed marshal' Asim Munir become a dictator like his predecessor Ayub Khan?

Time of India

22-05-2025

In a move reviving memories of Pakistan's authoritarian past, General
Asim Munir
has been elevated to the rare rank of
Field Marshal
, just days after Pakistan suffered military setbacks at the hands of India during
Operation Sindoor
. The promotion — granted by Prime Minister
Shehbaz Sharif
and endorsed by his cabinet — has ignited a storm of concern over growing military influence and the weakening of democratic institutions in the country.
With this, Munir becomes only the second Field Marshal in Pakistan's 78-year history. The first was
Ayub Khan
— who seized power in a 1958 coup and awarded himself the title the following year, eventually ruling Pakistan with an iron grip for over a decade.
From battlefield setback to lifetime immunity
Despite Pakistan's military facing considerable losses during Operation Sindoor, including reported damage to multiple air bases and failed drone incursions, Munir's promotion was publicly celebrated. Official statements claimed his 'exemplary courage and determination' and cited his leadership during operations like
Marka-i-Haq
and
Operation Bunyanum Marsoos
.
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'The government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir (Nishan-i-Imtiaz Military) to the rank of field marshal for ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy based on the high strategy and courageous leadership,' read a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, according to
Dawn
.
But analysts have pointed out the contrast between narrative and reality. Satellite images and independent reports suggest extensive damage to Pakistani military infrastructure. 'The field marshal rank is usually conferred after a military victory. This may be the first time it has been awarded after a defeat — it seems intended to mask that defeat,' said Pakistan watcher Tilak Devasher, speaking to the
Economic Times
.
Live Events
Also Read:
Promoted after defeat: Why Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir was promoted to Field Marshal despite losing to India, and what it means
A fifth star, a lifetime of power
Unlike the Army Chief, who can technically be removed by the Prime Minister, a Field Marshal in Pakistan is untouchable. The title comes with lifetime tenure, full military privileges, and immunity from civilian or judicial oversight.
Munir now holds the highest possible rank, with a fifth star on his uniform — a symbolic gesture critics say grants him a crown rather than a command. Journalist Waqar Malik reported that despite the promotion, Munir is not stepping down as Army Chief. He is expected to continue wielding all operational powers while simultaneously enjoying the ceremonial immunity of Field Marshal. His term, already extended to 2027, ensures his dominance over Pakistan's military and political spheres for the foreseeable future.
Also Read:
Pakistan cabinet approves promotion of Army Chief Asim Munir to Field Marshal rank
Criticism and comparisons to Ayub Khan
Reactions across political circles have been fierce. Leaders from
Imran Khan
's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) condemned the move, with Aleema Khan remarking, 'Instead of making Asim Munir a Field Marshal, Shehbaz Sharif should have just declared him the Baadshah (Emperor) of Pakistan.'
Comparisons to Ayub Khan — who overthrew President Iskander Mirza in 1958, declared himself President, and then promoted himself to Field Marshal — have not gone unnoticed. Munir's rise is seen by some as a soft coup, where civilian leadership has willingly handed the reins of power to the military.
As retired Major Manik M Jolly told
India Today
, 'Promoting Munir to field marshal just proves how helpless and useless Pakistan's government and civil administration are. He's doubling down on his narrative of victory and by elevating his position, tightening his grip and control on Pakistan. Musharraf 2.0 loading.'
Also Read:
Pakistan has lost the war, but its General Munir has 'won'
Who is Asim Munir?
Munir's background sets him apart from his predecessors. He is the first Pakistani Army Chief to have been educated at a madrasa, and is known for his religious rhetoric and emphasis on ideological nationalism. Coming from a prominent Syed family with direct lineage traced to Prophet Muhammad, Munir often speaks to troops in Punjabi and references Islamic themes in his speeches.
Just days before the Pahalgam attack that triggered India's Operation Sindoor, Munir reiterated Pakistan's stance on Kashmir, calling it the country's 'jugular vein.'
'Our stance is absolutely clear, it (Kashmir) was our
jugular vein
, it will be our jugular vein. We will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle,' he declared.
In another speech, Munir emphasised the ideological basis of Pakistan's creation:
'Our forefathers believed that we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religion is different. Our customs are different. Our traditions are different. Our thoughts are different. Our ambitions are different… That was the foundation of the Two-Nation Theory. It was laid on the belief that we are two nations, not one.'
A promotion steeped in propaganda?
Since Operation Sindoor, the
Pakistan Army
has been aggressively pushing a narrative that it foiled India's plans and inflicted major losses. However, this version of events has been widely rejected by independent military observers and analysts. The Indian Army's coordinated strikes reportedly crippled several Pakistani terror camps and surveillance hubs, including attempts using Chinese and Turkish-made drones and PL-15 missiles.
Experts argue that this media campaign is more about salvaging Munir's image than reflecting battlefield realities. The timing of the promotion — coming right after a ceasefire was reached on May 10 — has led many to suspect it is less about merit and more about securing power.
By elevating Munir, Pakistan's ruling alliance has not only rewarded a military leader accused of operational failures but has also paved the way for increased military dominance in civilian affairs. The concern is not just about what Munir might do — it is about what this signals for the future of democracy in Pakistan.
As a
Moneycontrol
report put it, 'The elevation of Asim Munir to field marshal is not an honour, it's a warning. A warning that Pakistan's military has learned nothing from history, that it still believes anti-Hindu rhetoric and covert jihad can mask internal failures.'
Whether Munir follows the path of Ayub Khan and takes formal control of the state, or remains its shadow ruler, one thing is clear — power in Pakistan has shifted further away from its elected institutions, and deeper into the barracks.
Also Read:
'Imran Khan dead, beaten up ' trends on social media: Fact check reveals it's an old video misused to spread fake news
Imran Khan's shadow disrupts Munir's political calculus
Even from behind bars, former Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to shape Pakistan's political landscape. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has accused Army Chief General Asim Munir of pushing the country towards war with India to consolidate his grip on power.
PTI has labelled Munir both a "warmonger and coward". The party argues that the military is orchestrating conflict not for national interest, but for institutional dominance. The statement has stirred debate among Khan's supporters, who view the military's actions with growing suspicion.
Despite being imprisoned, Imran Khan's moral authority appears to be growing. His detention has turned him into a symbol of resistance. Many within Pakistan's middle class, students, and overseas diaspora continue to echo his rhetoric, amplifying it through social media platforms.
Shehbaz Sharif's civilian government, already seen as dependent on military backing, is facing increasing scrutiny. Critics argue that its legitimacy is weakening further due to the perception that it serves as a rubber stamp for military decisions.
A viral meme, widely shared on Pakistani social media, summed up public sentiment:
"War fought by Airforce. Army Chief promoted. Army's only contribution—taking videos of tanks and hiding in bunkers."