On May 22, 2025, a historic ceremony took place at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad, where President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif jointly conferred the ceremonial rank of Field Marshal upon Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir. This promotion marks only the second time in Pakistan's history that the five-star rank has been awarded, the first being to General Ayub Khan in 1959. General Munir remains in active service as COAS,

The elevation to Field Marshal was approved by the federal cabinet in recognition of General Munir's strategic leadership during the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, particularly Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, which the government credited with repelling Indian aggression and ensuring national security. 

The ceremony was attended by senior military officials, including the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the chiefs of the three armed services, as well as political leaders and dignitaries. The event underscored the continued prominence of the military in Pakistan's political landscape. 

General Munir's promotion to Field Marshal has been viewed by some analysts as a strategic move to consolidate military authority and preempt potential dissent from civilian leadership, reflecting the military's significant influence in Pakistan's governance. 

This development has drawn comparisons to the 2014 Peshawar school massacre, highlighting the vulnerability of educational institutions in conflict zones. Funerals for the victims were attended by hundreds of mourners, underscoring the profound impact of the violence on the community.

The incident has also drawn comparisons to the 2014 Peshawar school massacre, highlighting the vulnerability of educational institutions in conflict zones. Funerals for the victims were attended by hundreds of mourners, underscoring the profound impact of the violence on the community.

The promotion of General Munir to Field Marshal has sparked discussions about the balance of power between civilian and military institutions in Pakistan, with some viewing it as a reinforcement of military dominance in the country's political sphere