Islamabad: 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. (ANI)
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