Pakistan has reinstated its highest military honor by promoting Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal – a distinction last held nearly six decades ago by Field Marshal Ayub Khan. This historic move comes after General Munir’s leadership during Pakistan’s successful defense against Indian aggression in the 2025 Marka-e-Haq conflict.
Field Marshal Ayub Khan, Pakistan’s first native commander-in-chief, received this prestigious rank in 1965 following his command during the Indo-Pak War. At the time, Khan held dual roles as both President and Army Chief following his 1958 military coup. The 1965 war, while ending in stalemate, demonstrated Pakistan’s military capabilities against a numerically superior Indian force, prompting the government to award Khan this singular honor.
The rank of Field Marshal represents extraordinary military achievement, typically reserved for wartime leadership or exceptional service beyond normal command responsibilities. In South Asian history, only two officers have attained this rank – Pakistan’s Ayub Khan and India’s Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in 1973.
The nearly 60-year gap between Field Marshal appointments reflects Pakistan’s evolving military traditions. Subsequent conflicts, including the 1971 war and 1999 Kargil confrontation, did not result in similar promotions due to shifting political dynamics and a move toward institutional rather than personality-driven military leadership.
General Munir’s elevation marks a significant departure from recent precedent, signaling the government’s assessment of the 2025 conflict as a defining moment in national history. The promotion carries lifetime status, unlike the temporary nature of the Army Chief position, and requires special government approval beyond standard military protocols.
Interestingly, Ayub Khan’s original Field Marshal baton remains preserved at the Pakistan Army Museum in Rawalpindi, serving as a tangible reminder of this rare honor. General Munir’s promotion not only recognizes his wartime leadership but also revives a long-dormant tradition in Pakistan’s military history, drawing deliberate parallels between the challenges of 1965 and 2025.
This decision underscores how seriously Pakistan views its recent military success, framing it as an event worthy of the nation’s highest martial distinction. The revival of the Field Marshal rank after six decades speaks volumes about how the current government and military establishment perceive General Munir’s contributions to national defense.
Also read: Army Chief Asim Munir promoted to Field Marshal for war leadership
