In a historic decision, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has been conferred the prestigious title of Field Marshal, the highest and only five-star military rank in the Pakistan Army.

This rare honour has been conferred in recognition of his exemplary leadership, bravery, and unwavering commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty during the recent military conflict with India, specifically during Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos.

Field Marshal is an honorary and symbolic rank, sitting above the rank of General, and does not carry operational command authority. It is equivalent to Admiral of the Fleet in the Navy and Marshal of the Air Force in the Air Force. While the title holds no executive or constitutional powers, it is awarded to those demonstrating extraordinary service to the nation.

First Field Marshal Since Ayub Khan

General Asim Munir becomes only the second person in Pakistan’s history to hold this distinguished rank. The only other individual to receive it was General Muhammad Ayub Khan, who was elevated to Field Marshal in 1965 for his military leadership and served as the country’s president.

General Ayub Khan retained the position of Field Marshal until his death. Like his predecessor, General Munir’s elevation is lifelong and honorary, requiring a joint appeal from the Prime Minister, President, and the Ministry of Defence. The President of Pakistan, as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, formally confers the title.

Symbol of Honour, not Authority

According to Pakistan’s legal and constitutional framework, the role of Field Marshal does not provide any additional legislative, executive, or judicial powers. The title remains strictly symbolic, emphasising excellence and national recognition rather than granting any extra-constitutional authority.

The Constitution clearly states that the Prime Minister retains all executive powers, including military appointments and strategic policymaking, while the President holds ceremonial authority as the Supreme Commander.

There is no provision in Pakistani law for regular or recurring appointments to the rank of Field Marshal, underlining its rarity and exceptional nature.

Who is COAS Syed Asim Munir

General Syed Asim Munir was appointed as the 17th Chief of Army Staff in November 2022 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Arif Alvi, succeeding General Qamar Javed Bajwa. He officially assumed command of the Pakistan Army on November 29, 2022.

A distinguished officer, General Munir entered the Army through the Mangla Officers Training School and was awarded the Sword of Honour for being the best performing cadet. Over the years, he has commanded key formations, including a division in the strategically vital Northern Areas, encompassing the Kashmir region.

His intelligence credentials include serving as Director-General of Military Intelligence (MI) in 2017, and later as Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in 2018. Although his tenure at ISI was brief, his leadership style earned wide recognition for professionalism and integrity.

As COAS, General Munir led major military operations, most notably Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, also referred to as Marka-e-Haq, which successfully countered India’s Operation Sindoor and demonstrated Pakistan’s aerial and defensive superiority. During the operation, Pakistan reportedly shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three French-made Rafale aircraft, delivering a significant blow to the adversary. India has not officially confirmed the full extent of these losses but admitted that “losses are part of war” during a press briefing by a senior Indian Air Force officer.