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Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistan's democracy facing coup: Will 'failed marshal' Asim Munir become a dictator like his predecessor Ayub Khan?
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 . Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now '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."
India Gazette
22-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Another opportunity for China to take advantage": Former US NSA on Asim Munir promoted to Field Marshal
Washington DC [US], May 22 (ANI): Following Pakistani federal cabinet approval to promote its Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, to the rank of Field Marshal, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton expressed concern over the decision, calling it a 'disturbing sign' that it could provide China with additional leverage in the region. Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Bolton highlighted the potential implications of the move, noting the continued hostility in the region that had hindered Pakistan's development. He asserted for the US government's involvement in the matter, else it could exacerbate internal dissent in the country. 'I think it's potentially a disturbing sign. Obviously, internal dissent in Pakistan is repressed. Imran Khan remains in prison. I ultimately don't think this is in Pakistan's own interest. This is something the US government should press on them. The continued level of hostility here is just going to impede Pakistan's development, as it has for many years already,' Bolton said. 'But it worries me that it is another opportunity for the Chinese to take advantage of these developments that gives them additional leverage inside Pakistan,' he added. Earlier, in a move widely viewed as an attempt to mask recent military and strategic failures, the Pakistani federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to Field Marshal. The government cited his leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and the confrontation with India, labelled Marka-i-Haq, as grounds for the honour, Dawn reported. Despite the military setbacks, Pakistan's government is projecting the outcome as a 'historic victory', praising General Munir's leadership during the conflict. General Asim Munir became only the second army officer in Pakistan's history to be elevated to Field Marshal. Ayub Khan, Pakistan's president from 1958 to 1969, holds the distinction of being the country's first Field Marshal. Notably, his promotion to this highest military rank was self-appointed, following his coup and assuming the presidency in 1958. A year later, in 1959, Khan awarded himself the Field Marshal rank, citing 'persistent requests' from Pakistani civil society members, just before his scheduled retirement from the army. Munir's elevation also signals who truly calls the shots in Pakistan. The government approved a promotion that further cements the army chief's dominance over the country's civilian leadership. Notably, even General Pervez Musharraf, despite holding absolute power for years, never assumed the title. The position of field marshal is symbolic but permanent, with no retirement, and held until death. The promotion comes just weeks after India launched Operation Sindoor, a high-impact counter-terror operation in response to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack. The operation exposed Pakistan's inability to shield its territory and airspace from precise Indian strikes, which destroyed critical infrastructure and eliminated dozens of terrorists. Despite this, Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership now projects the outcome as a 'historic victory.' General Munir's promotion is seen as an attempt to bolster his position and mask Pakistan's recent military setbacks. (ANI)
The Print
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Pakistan army chief Asim Munir promoted to field marshal, air chief Zaheer Ahmed Babar's tenure extended
Asim Munir's promotion, approved unanimously by Pakistan's federal cabinet Tuesday, has been framed as a recognition of his 'exemplary courage and determination' in leading the Pakistan Army against India and for how he 'coordinated the war strategy and efforts of the armed forces in a comprehensive manner'. In Pakistan, a field marshal is the highest military designation. Asim Munir's promotion makes him the second officer in the country's history to reach the rank. The last and only other Pakistani to hold the rank was General Ayub Khan, who elevated himself to the position in 1959, a year after he assumed the presidency following a military coup. New Delhi: Days after a ceasefire post-Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has promoted Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to the field marshal rank and extended the service tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu. The move comes close on the heels of the 7 May Operation Sindoor, India's response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack and another three days of armed hostilities across the Line of Control before the 10 May ceasefire. The prime minister's office (PMO) formally announced the decision after Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the cabinet. '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 during Marka-i-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,' the PMO statement said, according to Pakistani publication Dawn. A ceremonial but symbolically powerful position modelled on British military tradition, the field-marshal rank carries considerable political and institutional weight in Pakistan, where the military remains the most powerful institution in the State. Asim Munir's promotion will likely further solidify his influence in a country where the civilian authority has often turned subordinate to the military command. His promotion and Zaheer Ahmed Babar's extended service tenure reflect the cabinet's broader endorsement of military leadership during conflict. Additionally, soldiers, veterans, and civilians involved in operations against India would receive State honours. Once briefed about Asim Munir's promotion, President Asif Ali Zardari publicly endorsed the decision. 'Under General Syed Asim Munir's leadership, the armed forces have successfully defended the homeland.' In a statement issued through the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Asim Munir has expressed his gratitude to the government and the nation. He dedicated the promotion to 'the entire nation, the armed forces of Pakistan, and especially the civil and military martyrs and veterans.' 'This honour is the trust of the nation, for which millions of Asims have sacrificed themselves,' he added. Exceptional credentials have marked his rise. Asim Munir is the only Pakistani officer to have led the military intelligence and the ISI together. Graduating from top military institutions in Japan, Malaysia, and Pakistan, Munir holds an MPhil in strategic security. Uniquely, he is the first army chief in Pakistan to identify as a Hafiz-e-Quran in public, patching religious symbolism into his leadership. Under his command, military rhetoric has shifted towards religious nationalism, with ISPR amplifying the themes of ideological purity. His declaration, 'Kashmir is our jugular vein', days before the Pahalgam attack, had stoked regional tensions. General Asim Munir already has an outsized influence within his country. Earlier this year, Pakistan's Supreme Court cleared the way for civilians to be tried in military courts, reinforcing the military establishment's power, while democratic institutions have come under increasing pressure. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: 'On-screen Hasina' Nusraat Faria gets bail in attempted murder case linked to 2024 anti-govt stir
India Gazette
20-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Asim Munir gets Pak govt to promote him to Field Marshal, spins setbacks as 'victory
Islamabad [Pakistan], May 20 (ANI): In a move widely viewed as an attempt to mask recent military and strategic failures, the Pakistani federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to Field Marshal. The government cited his leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and the confrontation with India, labelled Marka-i-Haq, as grounds for the honour, Dawn reported. Despite the military setbacks, Pakistan's government is projecting the outcome as a 'historic victory,' praising General Munir's leadership during the conflict. General Asim Munir became only the second army officer in Pakistan's history to be elevated to Field Marshal. Ayub Khan, Pakistan's president from 1958 to 1969, holds the distinction of being the country's first Field Marshal. Notably, his promotion to this highest military rank was self-appointed, following his coup and assumption of the presidency in 1958. A year later, in 1959, Khan awarded himself the Field Marshal rank, citing 'persistent requests' from Pakistani civil society members, just before his scheduled retirement from the army. Khan promoted himself to Field Marshal after seizing power. As President, he used his authority to issue a proclamation promoting himself. Munir's elevation also signals who truly calls the shots in Pakistan. The government approved a promotion that further cements the army chief's dominance over the country's civilian leadership. Notably, even General Pervez Musharraf, despite holding absolute power for years, never assumed the title. The position of field marshal is symbolic but permanent, with no retirement, and held until death. The promotion comes just weeks after India launched Operation Sindoor, a high-impact counter-terror operation in response to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack. The operation exposed Pakistan's inability to shield its territory and airspace from precise Indian strikes, which destroyed critical infrastructure and eliminated dozens of terrorists. Despite this, Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership is now projecting the outcome as a 'historic victory.' General Munir's promotion is seen as an attempt to bolster his position and mask recent military setbacks. In a statement following a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister's Office said, '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 during Marka-i-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.' Prime Minister Sharif reportedly consulted President Asif Ali Zardari before the promotion, and the cabinet also decided to extend the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zahar Ahmed Babar Sidhu. The PMO announced that military personnel, martyrs, veterans, and even civilians involved in the recent conflict would be awarded state honours -- further cementing what appears to be a carefully crafted narrative of national triumph. General Munir, in a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), accepted the rank and said, 'I am grateful to the president of Pakistan, the prime minister and the cabinet for their trust.' He dedicated the promotion to 'the entire nation, the armed forces of Pakistan, especially the civil and military martyrs and veterans,' adding, 'This is not an individual honour but an honour for the armed forces of Pakistan and the entire nation.' However, the facts on the ground present a more complex reality. The escalation began after the Pahalgam attack on April 22, which killed 26 people and injured several others. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The strikes led to the deaths of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). Pakistan responded with cross-border shelling and attempted drone strikes, to which India retaliated by targeting Pakistani radar systems, communication centres, and airfields. The hostilities de-escalated only after US intervention on May 10. While both sides agreed to a ceasefire without an expiry date, Indian officials confirmed that the strikes were purely anti-terror in nature and not part of a broader conflict -- a position that starkly contrasts Pakistan's claim of a military victory. (ANI)
India.com
20-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
After Humiliating Defeat, Pakistan Promotes Army Chief Asim Munir To Field Marshal Rank
Operation Sindoor: After losing 11 airbases, multiple army posts and military weapon systems, Pakistan is living in a delusion of a victory. Such is their attempt to fool the public that they led victory parades, speeches and now, the Shehbaz Sharif government is showering promotions for army officials to hide its failures. The Sharif government on Tuesday greenlit the promotion of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal, only second to the post after Ayub Khan. '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 during Marka-i-Haq (operation against India) and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,' the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement. Notably, the global media reports have validated the Indian Armed Forces' claim that 9 terror headquarters were destroyed during Operation Sindoor, 11 airbases were bombed, its national air defence system was paralysed for 23 minutes, all Chinese hardware was compromised and around 800 drones, along with five fighter jets, were downed. The Pakistani forces lost around 60-70 personnel and went on to plead for a ceasefire with India. They even approached the United States and Saudi Arabia for a ceasefire. Despite all this, the Shehbaz Sharif government has gone on a propaganda campaign to claim this as their victory and to save their faces, and is now indulging in self-promotion. While Pakistan claimed to have bombed Delhi and Udhampur air bases, it could not provide any satellite images to substantiate its claims. It fired long-range Fateh and Shaheen missiles at India and all were intercepted by Indian air defence systems. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to avenge the killings of 26 civilians by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. While India carried out precision strikes to eliminate only terror hubs, Pakistan made it a military conflict by attacking India, only to lose the battle within four days.
