Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir is promoted to the rank of field marshal, the prime minister’s office said in a statement on Tuesday, the first time in almost 60 years that a general has been elevated to the role.
His promotion, which was approved by the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, comes days after the country’s worst military conflict with India in nearly three decades.
Also read; Army Chief Asim Munir promoted to field marshal rank
Field Marshal
Field marshal is the highest military rank in many armed forces, positioned above all general officer ranks.
In countries that do not use the title “Generalissimo,” it typically represents the most senior position within the army. As a five-star rank (NATO code OF-10), it is rarely conferred and is usually reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional military leadership.
Historically, promotion to field marshal has often been associated with extraordinary achievements, particularly significant wartime victories. In such cases, the rank is awarded as a mark of distinguished service and national recognition. Countries like Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Austria-Hungary, Prussia/Germany, and Sri Lanka have traditionally granted this title in acknowledgment of outstanding military success.
However, the rank has also served functional roles at different levels of command in some military traditions. In Spain and Mexico, for example, the title has been used at the divisional command level, while in France, Portugal, and Brazil, it has occasionally corresponded to brigade-level command.
Despite these variations, the rank of field marshal universally signifies a position of great honor and authority, often granted only in exceptional circumstances.
