importance in the region. The historical prominence of internal conflicts, military interventions, and volatile relations with neighboring countries have always affected the political landscape in Pakistan.
Moreover, the implications of promoting Asim Munir to the honorary rank of Field Marshal go beyond just the title. After all, the title is honorary, and Lieutenant Generals hold the Field Marshal rank in Pakistan; even the other two Field Marshals are honorary ranks; the only genuine agreement of Lieutenant General in the Pakistan Military was between Napoleon and the monarchical state of France.
In summary, regardless of the ceremonial status, Field Marshal Munir carries a considerable amount of authority and influence. Since Munir is now purely ceremonial, Pakistan’s military will be able to honorably retire Munir. In light of the vastly changed democracy in Pakistan and the promised return of civil-military relations in Pakistan, as well as the subsequent economic plight of the country, the service of the new Field Marshal Munir is required.
With Munir’s time at the top of the Pakistan Army nearly over, one particularly awkward moment remains: it would be quite inappropriate for the Army to request a civil-military transition to democracy once again after already having had its letting go order entered into service.
At this time, promoting Munir to Field Marshal, during one of his final moments in the top spot of the Pakistan Army, made a considerable amount of sense. Now the waiting game starts again, at least we all don’t have to hold our breath while we wait. Or perhaps we might?
