Pakistan celebrates rare unity as Gen Munir elevated to Field Marshal

Pakistan has promoted Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to the rare and prestigious rank of Field Marshal following what the government and media have hailed as a historic military and diplomatic victory over India.

The decision, announced by the federal cabinet on Tuesday, marks the first time in more than six decades that a Pakistani military leader has been granted the five-star title.

The last to hold the rank was General Ayub Khan — a self-appointed military ruler. Unlike then, Kamran Khan notes in his vlog, this honor was conferred by a democratic government, backed by parliament and free of political controversy.

“This is a moment of national pride,” Kamran Khan said. “A rare unity has emerged. 96 percent of Pakistanis believe India suffered a decisive defeat. 97 percent say they fully trust the Pakistan Army.”

He credited Gen Munir’s leadership for uniting the country and restoring public confidence at a time of rising tensions and uncertainty.

“This was not just a military win,” Kamran said. “This was a national affirmation — of resilience, of readiness, and of resolve.”

War and recognition

According to Khan, the Pakistani response to India’s recent military aggression was swift and calculated. Within hours of initial missile strikes on Pakistani cities, the Pakistan Air Force downed six Indian aircraft, including three advanced Rafale jets.

“India’s attempt at air superiority collapsed before it could begin,” Kamran said. “Pakistan’s retaliation was immediate and overwhelming.”

Gen Munir, according to Kamran, was on the ground in Pakistan-administered Kashmir even before the conflict officially began, signaling resolve and readiness. The vlog describes the general standing atop a tank, addressing troops and vowing a robust response.

The war’s diplomatic fallout also tilted in Pakistan’s favor, Kamran said. He highlighted how India’s attempts to revoke the Indus Waters Treaty were rejected by international actors. The U.S. avoided siding with India, with President Donald Trump issuing statements in support of Pakistan’s position.

“Even China and Turkey stood with us — in technology, in arms, in diplomatic forums,” Kamran said.

A history of front-line leadership

Gen Munir’s career has long positioned him for such a moment. Before becoming army chief, he led Pakistan’s Military Intelligence and the ISI, giving him deep insight into internal and regional threats.

Kamran recalled Munir’s role in swiftly responding to an Iranian missile strike in early 2024 and his 24-hour deployment to Karachi after a major terrorist attack.

“He leads from the front — not just in war but in peace, in crisis, and in reform,” Kamran said.

Stability amid crisis

Beyond the battlefield, Kamran highlighted Gen Munir’s role in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a military-civilian initiative. The vlog noted progress in exchange rate stability, inflation control and foreign reserves.

Kamran stressed that the military’s growing role in energy, agriculture and mining sectors — especially in Balochistan — is supported by international partners, including the U.S. and Canadian firms like Barrick Gold.

“This is not martial control,” Kamran said. “It’s military-backed competence in a vacuum of civilian efficiency.”

Political consensus and PTI’s support

Perhaps most remarkable, Kamran noted, was the political consensus around Gen Munir’s elevation. Even the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) — often at odds with the establishment — did not object.

“Imran Khan tweeted support for the Army and the people of Pakistan,” Kamran said. “PTI did not criticize the Field Marshal appointment. That silence is golden.”

He urged all parties — from Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif to Bilawal Bhutto and Imran Khan — to work together under this moment of unity.

Eyes on the economy

Kamran ended his vlog with a note of cautious optimism. While the military victory was significant, he emphasized that Pakistan’s next challenge lies in economic transformation.

“We have won the war,” he said. “Now we must win the economy. And that’s the mission under Field Marshal Asim Munir.”

He pointed to ongoing reforms in taxation, agriculture and energy as critical next steps — and insisted that if Pakistan maintains political unity and economic momentum, the next few years could define a new chapter in the country’s history.

“This isn’t just a military victory,” Kamran concluded. “It’s a turning point — if we don’t let it slip away.”