Imran, immunity, impunity: Factors behind Pak army chief Asim Munir's elevation to Field Marshal rank

Asim Munir’s promotion follows a period marked by domestic unrest, a sweeping crackdown on Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and heightened tensions with India

General Asim Munir’s elevation to the rank of Field Marshal -- amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions -- is being viewed as a calculated step to contain the fallout from India’s bold Operation Sindoor strikes and to potentially block Imran Khan’s political comeback.

The Pakistani government on Tuesday made the announcement regarding Munir’s promotion, making him only the second Army chief to attain the position after General Ayub Khan in 1959.

While Khan conferred the title upon himself, Munir’s appointment comes from the civilian government directly. A security official told news agency Reuters that Field Marshal was a ceremonial five-star rank that usually signifies extraordinary leadership and wartime achievement.

However, the move follows the aftermath of India’s bold ‘Operation Sindoor’ targeting nine key terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir -- actions that have reportedly put Munir’s leadership in question.

Munir’s promotion, that was given a go ahead by the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, came days after the country's worst military conflict with India in nearly three decades.

It came "in recognition of the strategic brilliance and courageous leadership that ensured national security and decisively defeated the enemy," Sharif said in a statement from his office.

However, Tuesday’s move is widely being viewed as an attempt to deflect attention from the embarrassment caused by India’s Operation Sindoor.

“Field marshal rank is usually given conferred after a military victory. This may be the first time it has been awarded after a defeat – it seems intended to mask the defeat,” Tilak Devasher, a leading Pakistani watcher told The Economic Times.

India initiated Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists.

Moreover, India also thwarted Pakistan's attempted retaliation after the strikes by intercepting drones and missile launchers aimed at Indian military installations and civilian areas. The exchange between both the two nuclear-armed neighbours has placed Pakistan in a diplomatically awkward position.

On May 10, both countries agreed to cease hostilities.

Major Manik M Jolly (retired) 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.”

Asim Munir’s promotion follows a period marked by domestic unrest, a sweeping crackdown on Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and heightened tensions with India.

A report by CNN-News18, citing defence sources, revealed that Sharif agreed to promote Munir to Field Marshal in exchange for Munir’s commitment to block Imran Khan’s return to power. Sharif has also promised to shield Munir from a court martial if Pakistan’s failed response to Operation Sindoor comes under the lens in the future, the report added.

It’s important to note that Imran Khan and Asim Munir share a contentious history. During his tenure as Prime Minister, Imran removed Munir from the position of ISI chief following a breakdown in their relationship.

Imran Khan has also blamed Munir for his arrest and even accused him of trying to do away with him. Political analyst Cyril Almeida noted that in a military-dominated political environment, Sharif’s promotion of Munir was likely an effort to secure his own position by staying aligned with the Army chief.

“It is also about making it clear that he [Sharif] is not, and will never be a threat, so a replacement need not be considered,” Almeida told Al Jazeera.

Munir’s elevation is also being seen by many as a protective move—both to insulate him from internal challenges or legal action such as court martial.

Munir’s standing at home had reportedly taken a hit, as parts of the Army rallied behind Khan, plotting to weaken his position and push him into irrelevance. There were also calls from junior officers for his resignation.

"Arguably, the biggest failure of Munir’s leadership is his inability to reform or restore confidence in the Pakistan Army. Once regarded as a professional force and the nation’s saviour, the Army now finds itself at the centre of political, economic and institutional collapse," Lieutenant General Rakesh Sharma (retd) wrote for The Week.

With the new ceremonial rank, Munir will remain the Army chief.

Field Marshals do not hold an official command after retirement, yet they remain on the “active list for life”, entitled to wear their uniform, display five stars on their insignia and vehicles, and salute with a special baton.