By John Q. Hosedrinker 
General Asim Munir’s promotion to field marshal, the first in nearly 60 years, recognizes his exceptional leadership during recent heightened tensions with India. This five-star rank, primarily ceremonial, signifies extraordinary wartime achievement and national security contributions. The cabinet also extended Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu’s service. While Munir remains army chief, the implications of his new, lifetime rank regarding retirement remain unclear.
Read the original article here
Asim Munir’s promotion to field marshal is not simply a self-congratulatory act; it’s a multifaceted maneuver with significant implications for Pakistan’s political and military landscape. Elevating him to this rank places him on par with Ayub Khan, a previous field marshal who ruled Pakistan as a dictator for eleven years. This instantly establishes a precedent for Munir to potentially maintain his hold on power for an extended period, as field marshals in Pakistan do not typically retire.
The promotion also underscores the army’s perceived dominance over the air force, a notable point given the air force’s significant role in recent conflicts with India. It’s a clear assertion of power dynamics within the Pakistani military establishment. Furthermore, this promotion serves as a potent piece of internal propaganda, aimed at bolstering Munir’s image and influence among the Pakistani public.
This carefully orchestrated ascension to field marshal is viewed by some as the culmination of a deliberate strategy. The suggestion is that Munir intentionally provoked a conflict with India, anticipating a retaliatory strike. This theory points to a provocative speech made weeks before an alleged terrorist attack, followed by a military response from India which, according to some, Munir allowed the air force to bear the brunt of.
Despite substantial damage sustained by Pakistan’s air bases – reportedly eleven were hit – and the stark contrast in military capabilities highlighted during the conflict, Munir declared victory. This narrative, along with the promotion, paints a picture of success despite the reality of the situation. The implications are unsettling: the future prime ministers of Pakistan may effectively serve at his discretion, potentially creating a de facto military dictatorship.
The public’s reaction is particularly concerning. Instead of holding Munir accountable for the imprisonment of Imran Khan, the numerous terrorist attacks by groups like the TTP and BLA, and the failures during the conflict with India, many Pakistanis have rallied behind him. This unquestioning support is seen by some as deeply problematic and potentially paving the way for prolonged authoritarian rule.
The lack of accountability raises serious concerns. The apparent lack of criticism regarding his handling of terrorist groups and the conflict with India has allowed Munir to consolidate his power. The promotion is seen as a reward for actions that should, arguably, have led to consequences rather than advancement. The contrast between the narrative of victory and the actual events fuels anxieties about the future.
The silence surrounding the alleged downing of Indian fighter jets and drones, juxtaposed with the significant damage inflicted on Pakistan’s air bases during India’s retaliatory strikes, only adds to the skepticism. Claims of success seem wildly disproportionate to the actual outcomes, leading many to question the integrity of the official narrative.
The perception that Munir is an extremist, quoting the Quran frequently and hailing from a deeply religious background, further fuels concerns about his potential leadership style. Comparisons to Ayub Khan and even Zia ul-Haq, both of whom were military dictators, have been made, highlighting fears of a potentially more religiously conservative and hardline regime. His actions, especially the provocative moves towards India, point towards the very real possibility of further escalation and conflict.
The concerns extend beyond Pakistan’s borders. Munir’s actions and the lack of accountability within Pakistan raise the specter of further instability in a region already rife with tension. His promotion to field marshal is seen by many as a dangerous escalation, with potential for regional conflict, further entrenching authoritarian rule, and possibly leading to a long and unstable period for Pakistan. The situation, in the eyes of many international observers, appears deeply precarious. The promotion, therefore, is not simply a military event, but a highly significant political and potentially destabilizing move with far-reaching implications.