Islamabad, May 20 (IANS) – In a surprising move following India’s impactful Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan after the Pahalgam massacre, the Pakistan Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, announced the promotion of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.
According to Geo News, the government approved this unprecedented promotion to honour General Munir’s “brilliant military leadership, bravery, and commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” during ‘Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos’. At 57, General Munir becomes only the second Field Marshal in Pakistan’s 78-year history, following former military ruler Ayub Khan, who promoted himself to the rank in 1959.
While General Munir expressed his gratitude to Allah and dedicated the honour to the nation, the decision faced criticism within Pakistan. Analysts noted that this marks the first time an Army Chief has been promoted following a military setback. Many commentators suggested that Munir essentially “promoted himself” amidst the fallout of the defeat in Operation Sindoor.
Experts further interpret this promotion as Munir’s attempt to solidify his authority and reinforce his narrative of victory despite Pakistan’s strategic setbacks. On social media, some drew parallels with former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, dubbing the situation “Musharraf 2.0 loading!”
Alongside Munir’s promotion, the government extended the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, recognising his leadership during the recent conflict, as reported by Samaa News.
Meanwhile, international assessments have largely praised India’s military performance in Operation Sindoor. The campaign demonstrated India’s ability to strike terror camps, drone coordination centers, and airbases inside Pakistan with precision, while Pakistan failed to penetrate Indian territory.
Military historian Tom Cooper described India’s air campaign as a “clear-cut victory,” highlighting Pakistan’s inability to respond effectively. He emphasized the failure of Pakistan’s deterrence strategy, noting that India not only retaliated but escalated its operations, forcing Pakistan to seek a ceasefire after sustaining heavy losses and facing ammunition shortages.
John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, lauded India’s strategic restraint and assertiveness. He stated that Operation Sindoor redefined India’s red lines by treating terror attacks as acts of war and delivering a “massive victory” within just four days of calibrated military action. Spencer praised India’s approach as “textbook deterrence,” combining decisive power with measured control to achieve and exceed strategic objectives without escalating to full-scale war.
Recent Random Post:
