Will Asim Munir’s promotion to Field Marshal prevent coup in Pakistan? 5 Key reasons why it can be crucial

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has recently been promoted to the rank of Field Marshal—a title that has only been awarded once before in the country’s history, to Ayub Khan in 1965. The move comes at a time when Pakistan is facing deep political instability, a worsening economy, and growing dissatisfaction within the military. The big question: Can this rare promotion stop potential unrest or even a military coup?

Here are five key reasons why this matters:

1. Public and Military Dissent, but Fear Prevails

The Pakistani military holds significant influence over the country’s politics and civil society. Criticising someone like General Munir can be dangerous. Journalists, intellectuals, and opposition leaders—especially former Prime Minister Imran Khan—have been consistently silenced. As a result, public opposition remains muted. However, reports suggest discontent within the army, especially among junior officers, raising the possibility of future revolt from within.

2. Building on a Religious Image

Asim Munir has projected himself as a devout Islamic figure, known for his deep knowledge of the Quran and aggressive anti-India rhetoric. This religious persona has earned him support from conservative segments of society. The state and military have actively promoted this image to present Munir as a strong, ideal nationalist leader.

3. A Symbiotic Relationship Between Army and Government

The current setup sees the military and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government leaning on each other for survival. The army needs public legitimacy; the government, in turn, needs military backing to stay in power. Promoting Munir to Field Marshal serves both sides—it sends a message to the public that Munir’s leadership is stable and unquestioned.

4. Rebuilding Confidence After Operation Sindoor

Following India’s Operation Sindoor, which reportedly dealt a major blow to Pakistani military assets (as seen in satellite images and global media reports), the army’s morale had taken a hit. Elevating Munir to Field Marshal is part of a strategy to restore confidence within the ranks and among the public. The state media has framed the incident as a victory, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.

5. Has the Risk of Rebellion Really Passed?

There may not be open defiance right now, but the situation remains fragile. Pakistan’s economic crisis, the unrest in Balochistan, rising TTP activity, and anger among Imran Khan’s supporters all point to underlying tensions. History shows that in many military-led regimes, coups often emerge from seemingly quiet situations.

While the title of Field Marshal is largely symbolic, it may help General Asim Munir consolidate power for now. But in a country where real challenges lie deep within, titles alone may not be enough to prevent what could come next.