Pakistan Army Chief promoted to Field Marshal following conflict with India

Ceremonial five-star rank awarded for first time since 1959, recognizing wartime strategy and national defense amid tensions with India

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — Pakistan’s federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, acknowledging his leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and the recent military conflict with India.

The announcement followed a high-level cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. 

According to sources, the Prime Minister’s Office commended General Munir for ensuring the nation’s security and coordinating the armed forces with strategic expertise and exceptional leadership during critical operations.

The rank of Field Marshal is the highest honorary designation in the Pakistan Army, modeled on the British military system, a ceremonial position retained for a lifetime.

While it holds no operational command authority, additional powers, or pay scale, it serves as a lifetime recognition of outstanding military achievement and leadership. 

The rank is equivalent to the five-star designations of Fleet Admiral in the navy and Marshal in the air force.

This is only the second time in Pakistan’s history that the title has been conferred.

The first instance was in 1959, when General Muhammad Ayub Khan was promoted to Field Marshal by the presidential cabinet. 

Despite the symbolic nature of the rank, there is ambiguity about its statutory limitations. 

However, Pakistani law mandates that all actions by military officials, regardless of rank, must adhere to constitutional provisions, ensuring no unauthorized power is exercised.

The cabinet also extended the service of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, acknowledging his contributions to national defense. 

Additionally, it announced that officers, soldiers, war veterans, martyrs, and civilians involved in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos would be honored with high-level government awards.

In a notable historical parallel, India had conferred the rank of Field Marshal on Sam Manekshaw on January 1, 1973, recognizing his extraordinary leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. 

Manekshaw, the first Indian Army officer to receive the title, was presented with a ceremonial baton and lifelong financial privileges.

Kodandera M. Cariappa was the second person to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal in the Indian Army.

He was officially promoted to this highest military rank on 15 January 1986.

Cariappa was a pioneering figure in the Indian military, known for being the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army after independence.

Marshal of the Air Force is equivalent to Field Marshal in the Indian Army and Admiral of the Fleet in the Indian Navy, though the latter rank has never been awarded.

India has only one Marshal of the Air Force, Arjan Singh, who served as the 3rd Chief of the Air Staff, was the first IAF officer promoted to Air Chief Marshal, and was honored for his leadership in the 1965 Indo-Pak War.

Pakistan does not have any Marshal of the Air Force in its history.

Reaction and context

President Asif Ali Zardari was briefed on the decision during a meeting with the prime minister.

He remarked that General Munir’s promotion reflected his strategic brilliance in defending Pakistan and countering Indian aggression.

General Munir, in a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations, expressed gratitude for the nation’s trust and support. 

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also lauded the army chief, attributing his promotion to merit, professionalism, and dedication.

A senior security official told Reuters that while the Field Marshal rank remains symbolic, it represents the highest form of recognition for wartime leadership.

The promotion follows days of heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan. India launched airstrikes on May 6–7, claiming to target “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, accusations strongly denied by Islamabad. 

The strikes caused civilian casualties, escalating hostilities.

In retaliation, Pakistan intercepted Indian fighter jets, shot down multiple drones, and targeted military installations within India and Indian-administered Kashmir.

Tensions de-escalated on May 10 after U.S.-mediated negotiations led to an indefinite ceasefire. Both nations have confirmed the truce, quelling speculation about its longevity.