“Field Marshal or King?” — Imran Khan Mocks Asim Munir's Promotion Amid Pakistan's Political Chaos

In a move stirring sharp political controversy, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir has been promoted to the rare rank of Field Marshal, becoming only the second person in Pakistan’s history to receive the title. However, the announcement has sparked backlash, especially from jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who mocked the promotion as symbolic of Pakistan’s descent into authoritarianism.

Imran Khan's Sarcastic Response

Posting on Instagram from behind bars, Imran Khan wrote:

“MashaAllah, General Asim Munir has been made Field Marshal. Although, to be clear, it would have been more appropriate to give him the title of ‘king,’ because right now the law of the jungle prevails in the country and there is only one king in the jungle.”

Khan’s comment has gone viral and is being widely interpreted as a direct insult to Munir, suggesting that military overreach has eroded democratic governance and legal accountability in Pakistan.

A Nation in Crisis: Imran's Broader Message

Imran Khan also issued a broader warning about Pakistan’s fragile state, citing:

• Rising terrorism
• Economic turmoil
• Growing tensions with India

He urged national unity and warned the Shahbaz Sharif-led government to brace for possible retaliation from India, should cross-border frictions escalate.

“Pakistan has become a place where laws only apply to the weak, not the powerful,” Khan said, lamenting the state of governance under the current regime.

Who Else Has Been a Field Marshal in Pakistan?

General Munir now joins Ayub Khan, Pakistan’s former President (1958–1969), as the only other military figure to hold the Field Marshal title. Ayub Khan had controversially bestowed the title upon himself after the 1958 military coup, citing pressure from civil society—though critics viewed it as a blatant power grab.

In Munir’s case, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is credited with awarding the title, citing Munir’s role in safeguarding national interests amid India-Pakistan tensions.