Field Marshal Asim Munir the Mungeri Lal of Pakistan?
On May 20, the Pakistani government elevated General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, making him only the second person in Pakistan's history to hold this title -- after Ayub Khan in the late 1950s. Was this move just a symbolic honour, or an attempt at power consolidation?In an engaging discussion, IndiaToday.in spoke with veteran defence analyst and journalist Sandeep Unnithan, who sees the promotion as part of a larger narrative -- one of control, ego, and behind-the-scenes dominance in Pakistani politics. Unnithan termed it a "soft coup," where power is seized without overtly toppling the government.advertisementUnnithan explained that while the Field Marshal title is technically honorary, Munir's move seems designed to extend his grip on the military indefinitely. With no new army chief announced yet, Munir continues as both the Chief of Army Staff and now Field Marshal, a combination without precedent even in Pakistan's coup-ridden history.
Unnithan argued that this is less about honour and more about narrative-building. Despite Pakistan's setbacks in its recent skirmishes with India, Munir is casting himself as a victorious wartime leader. "It's a bit Walter Mitty-esque," Unnithan said, referring to James Thurber's fictional day-dreamer lost in fantasies of heroism. "This is Mungeri Lal for you."The discussion goes on to draw comparisons with Pakistan's past military rulers -- Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Pervez Musharraf -- all of whom believed they were "God's answer to Pakistan's problems". Munir, Unnithan argued, follows the same trajectory, though without assuming a formal political role. Instead, he appears to prefer wielding influence while letting civilian figures like Shehbaz Sharif absorb the public and international scrutiny.advertisementThe conversation took a lighter turn when asked about how Indian Army officers view such developments. Unnithan responded that Munir's self-promotion has become a "running joke" in military circles, underscoring how the Pakistani military's actions often stray far from professional norms. "It's not a professional army anymore," he said, pointing to its entanglement in business, politics, and covert warfare.Watch the discussion in full here: Tune InMust Watch
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India Gazette
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We understand the necessity of why India took action: Jurgen Hardt
Berlin [Germany], June 6 (ANI): In a key diplomatic engagement, an Indian All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad held wide-ranging discussions in Berlin with members of the German Bundestag and representatives from leading think tanks, deepening strategic cooperation and mutual understanding. One of the standout voices during the dialogue was Jurgen Hardt, Member of the German Parliament and Spokesperson for Foreign Policy of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, who strongly addressed regional threats emanating from Pakistan and the need for peaceful conflict resolution. 'We see the terror threat coming from Pakistan and we have asked the Pakistani government to eliminate terror groups in their country. We hope for a peaceful solution. We encourage the Indian government to do it diplomatically. Hopefully, the conflict between India and Pakistan can be calmed,' Hardt stated. Referring to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, he added, 'It was a terrible attack on several people. I hope India finds a way to install a mechanism to resolve such conflicts peacefully, but we understand the necessity of why India took action.' The meeting with German lawmakers, including Armin Laschet, Ralph Brinkhaus, Hubertus Heil, and Omid Nouripour, reaffirmed the growing convergence between India and Germany on regional security and counterterrorism. Armin Laschet, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Bundestag, expressed solidarity with India and called for the preservation of peace and dialogue. 'We also discussed the brutal 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam. I'm deeply shocked. Germany stands with India in the fight against terrorism. Now it's vital the ceasefire holds and dialogue continues. Peace serves us all,' Laschet said in a statement. The Indian Embassy in Germany confirmed the series of engagements, noting that the delegation 'conveyed India's unwavering united stand for Zero Tolerance for Terrorism and outlined its resolve to not give in to nuclear blackmail.' The embassy also noted that leaders on both sides 'recognised momentum in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership and joint role in ensuring global Peace and Security.' Vice President of the German Bundestag, Omid Nouripour, also hosted the delegation and highlighted the need for stronger cooperation amidst current global challenges. He acknowledged India's rising role in ensuring security and appreciated the delegation's outreach. Reflecting on the significance of the meetings, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad remarked, 'A very good meeting with Vice Chairman of this majestic Parliament. We exchanged views on terrorism, he was very forthright. Terrorism is a global curse and also appreciated India's efforts to give security to its people and globally, we need to work together in the field of terrorism and also good economic cooperation between these two great countries. Germany is a big economic powerhouse in the world. India is a big economic powerhouse in the world.' With high-level participation across parties and institutions, the visit reinforced the shared values and mutual trust that underpin the India-Germany relationship. From counterterrorism and nuclear restraint to economic engagement and geopolitical dialogue, both sides signalled a clear commitment to a rules-based global order and a collaborative future. (ANI)
Deccan Herald
an hour ago
- Deccan Herald
Patrons punished, perpetrators still at large
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India Today
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Eliminate the vile: US lawmaker tells Pakistan to act against Jaish-e-Mohammed
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