Asim Munir Declares Himself Pakistan's Field Marshal Amid Mounting Controversy
By SNRLAR | RAJAT
In a stunning and controversial development, Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir has declared himself the second-ever Field Marshal in Pakistan’s history—an honorary five-star military rank typically reserved for war heroes or leaders with historic military success. The timing and justification for this self-award have raised eyebrows both domestically and internationally, especially as Pakistan reels from military setbacks in recent conflicts, including Operation Sindoor.
A Self-Awarded Title Amid a Defeat
Under Munir’s command, Pakistan reportedly suffered significant losses during Operation Sindoor. According to Indian sources and satellite imagery, 11 Pakistani airbases were targeted, and numerous terror camps were eliminated. Despite this military debacle, Munir has promoted himself to Field Marshal—a position Pakistan last awarded to General Ayub Khan after the 1965 India-Pakistan war, a war Pakistan lost.
Comparison with Indian Field Marshals
India, in contrast, has reserved the prestigious Field Marshal title for leaders who delivered decisive victories or historic defense contributions. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw earned the title after India’s resounding victory in the 1971 war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. Similarly, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa was honored for his leadership during the 1947-48 Kashmir conflict.
Munir’s promotion, however, appears devoid of such military credibility and seems driven more by internal political motives than battlefield achievements.
Propaganda and Narrative Manipulation
Munir's move comes amid an orchestrated narrative campaign led by Pakistan and supported by Chinese and Turkish media outlets. Western media, particularly in the United States, has been largely silent on India’s successful military operations, likely to avoid indirectly endorsing Russian and Indian weapon systems over American ones like the F-35.
Instead, American media selectively amplifies narratives that either undermine Indian military gains or promote U.S. arms sales to India.
Unverified Pakistani Claims, Global Silence
Pakistani and Chinese propaganda channels have circulated unverified claims about shooting down Indian fighter jets and destroying missile facilities. However, no photographic or satellite evidence supports these assertions. Even countries like Indonesia, which are evaluating French Rafale jets for purchase, have dismissed Pakistani claims as "unverified" and not credible for military procurement decisions.
Meanwhile, India has provided verifiable satellite imagery showing the destruction of Chinese-supplied HQ-9 air defense systems inside Pakistan—an embarrassing moment for Beijing, which now appears frustrated by its ally's exaggerated claims and failures.
China’s Cold Shoulder to Pakistan
China’s dissatisfaction was evident when Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister visited recently. Despite Pakistan's alignment with Chinese interests, he received no red-carpet welcome and was met only by junior officials—suggesting Beijing is wary of further public association with Pakistan’s military blunders.
Munir’s Power Ambitions
Analysts speculate that Munir’s self-promotion is part of a broader strategy to establish a long-term autocracy. By projecting himself as the savior of Pakistan against India and fabricating a narrative of heroism, Munir seems poised to oust political leaders like Shehbaz Sharif and assume full control of Pakistan's governance.
This mirrors the path once taken by Ayub Khan, and signals a dangerous consolidation of military and civilian power.
Implications for India and Global Security
Munir’s actions not only undermine Pakistan’s fragile democracy but also fuel regional instability. His blatant misuse of military honors and media manipulation could provoke further conflict under the guise of defending national pride.
For India, this development demands vigilance—not just on the battlefield but in global information warfare. As Pakistan ramps up propaganda, India must counter these narratives with facts and assert its perspective in global forums.
Conclusion:
Asim Munir’s unilateral declaration as Field Marshal is less a celebration of military success and more a symptom of Pakistan’s growing authoritarian drift. His ambition, coupled with disinformation campaigns, poses risks not only for Pakistan’s internal stability but also for South Asian security at large.
India, and the international community, must take note and prepare for the geopolitical ripple effects.
