General Asim Munir Named Field Marshal, Backed by Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, Raising Fears of Democratic Backsliding

On May 20, 2025, Pakistan’s federal cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, a ceremonial five-star position not awarded since General Ayub Khan in 1965. This decision, reportedly backed by influential political figures Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing it consolidates military dominance and undermines Pakistan’s fragile democratic framework. The move comes amid heightened tensions with India following Operation Sindoor and a controversial ceasefire, as well as ongoing domestic political turmoil, including the prolonged imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This article explores the implications of Munir’s promotion, its political backing, and its impact on Pakistan’s democratic values.

Background of the Promotion

The rank of Field Marshal, a rare and prestigious honor in Pakistan’s military hierarchy, was conferred on General Asim Munir for his “exemplary role” in managing a recent military escalation with India, particularly during the U.S.-brokered ceasefire following Operation Sindoor. The promotion was unanimously approved by the cabinet, chaired by Shehbaz Sharif, and announced by the Prime Minister’s Office. However, the decision has drawn scrutiny due to the timing and context, with some sources suggesting it was a strategic move to bolster Munir’s authority amid internal and external challenges.

General Munir, appointed as Chief of Army Staff in November 2022 by Shehbaz Sharif, has been a polarizing figure. His tenure has been marked by allegations of orchestrating the ouster of Imran Khan and suppressing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Prior to his current role, Munir served as the director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) until his removal by Khan in 2019, which reportedly created tensions between the two. His promotion to Field Marshal is seen by some as a reward for his loyalty to the Sharif and Zardari political camps, raising concerns about the military’s growing influence over civilian governance.

Political Backing by Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari

Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), have been vocal supporters of the military’s role in recent national security efforts. On May 18, 2025, both leaders publicly commended the armed forces for their “professional excellence” and “unshakable courage” during tensions with India. Zardari, accompanied by Munir, visited Gujranwala Cantonment, while Nawaz praised the military’s professionalism at a meeting in Jati Umra. These endorsements suggest a close alignment between the military and the PML-N-PPP coalition, which critics argue has facilitated Munir’s rapid rise and the marginalization of democratic institutions.

Posts on X reflect public skepticism about this alliance, with some users claiming that Nawaz and Zardari have effectively turned the Pakistan Army into a tool for political control, likening it to a “Punjab police force.” This perception is fueled by the military’s alleged role in rigging elections and installing Shehbaz Sharif as a “puppet” prime minister after Khan’s ouster. The promotion of Munir, seen as a loyalist to both leaders, is viewed as a strategic move to solidify this military-political nexus, further sidelining opposition voices like those of the PTI.

Undermining Democratic Values

The promotion of General Munir to Field Marshal has raised significant concerns about the erosion of democratic values in Pakistan. The country’s history is replete with instances of military dominance, with army chiefs like Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf staging coups to overthrow civilian governments. Munir’s elevation, coupled with recent judicial and legislative developments, is seen as a continuation of this trend. The Pakistan Supreme Court’s May 7, 2025, ruling, which overturned a previous decision and allowed civilians to be tried in military courts, has further strengthened Munir’s hand. This decision, passed in a 5-2 ruling led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, enables the prosecution of PTI supporters involved in the May 2023 anti-army protests following Khan’s arrest, which many believe was orchestrated by Munir.

The 26th Constitutional Amendment, which facilitates military trials for civilians, has been criticized as a blow to judicial independence and democratic norms. By empowering the military to suppress dissent, this ruling aligns with Munir’s broader strategy to control political opposition, particularly the PTI, which continues to demand Khan’s release. The prolonged imprisonment of Imran Khan, who has been detained since 2023 on corruption charges he claims are politically motivated, is seen as a direct consequence of this military-political collusion. Khan’s supporters argue that Munir, backed by Nawaz and Zardari, has orchestrated a crackdown to weaken the PTI, with the Field Marshal promotion serving as a reward for these efforts.

Moreover, Munir’s leadership has been accused of pushing Pakistan toward economic collapse and internal unrest. Retired Lieutenant General Rakesh Sharma has noted that Munir’s policies have undermined civilian governance and exacerbated tensions in regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The military’s heavy-handed approach, including the handling of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) security, has strained relations with key allies like China, further destabilizing the country.

Public and International Reactions

Public sentiment, as reflected on X, is divided. Some view Munir’s promotion as a deserved honor for his role in navigating the recent India-Pakistan conflict, citing the success of the ceasefire as a testament to his leadership. Others, however, see it as a dangerous consolidation of military power, with one user describing it as a move that “escalates friction with PTI and Imran Khan loyalists.” The international community, particularly India, has expressed skepticism about Pakistan’s intentions. Indian media outlets have portrayed Munir’s promotion as a face-saving measure following military setbacks during Operation Sindoor, where India targeted Pakistani airbases and terrorist camps.

The U.S., which played a key role in brokering the ceasefire, has urged de-escalation but has not publicly commented on Munir’s promotion. However, the timing of the promotion, shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s call with Munir, suggests a complex interplay of international pressures and domestic politics.

Implications for Pakistan’s Future

The promotion of General Asim Munir to Field Marshal, backed by Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, signals a troubling shift toward greater military control in Pakistan. By aligning with the PML-N-PPP coalition, Munir has solidified his position as the de-facto ruler, overshadowing civilian leadership. This move not only undermines democratic institutions but also risks further alienating opposition groups, particularly the PTI, which continues to rally for Khan’s release. The military’s expanded powers, bolstered by the Supreme Court’s ruling and the 26th Constitutional Amendment, create a dangerous precedent for the suppression of dissent and the erosion of judicial independence.

As Pakistan grapples with economic challenges, regional insurgencies, and strained international relations, the elevation of Munir to Field Marshal may deepen internal divisions and hinder the country’s path to democratic stability. The international community, including allies like China and the U.S., will likely watch closely as Pakistan navigates this precarious balance between military dominance and democratic aspirations.

Conclusion

The promotion of General Syed Asim Munir to Field Marshal, supported by Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, is a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s political landscape. While framed as a recognition of his leadership during a tense military standoff with India, the decision has far-reaching implications for the country’s democratic framework. By strengthening the military’s grip on power and prolonging the political marginalization of figures like Imran Khan, this move risks further destabilizing Pakistan’s already fragile democracy. As the nation faces internal and external challenges, the need for transparent, civilian-led governance has never been more critical.