Field Marshal or failed marshal? Netizens troll Asim Munir’s promotion; Adnan Sami shares ‘Will protect all donkeys’ video

On Tuesday, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir was elevated to the rank of Field Marshal in recognition of his apparent role in the recent conflict with India. He became the second-highest-ranking military officer in the country’s history to receive this prestigious promotion.

An official statement revealed that the decision to promote Munir was made during a cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. General Ayub Khan was the first officer in Pakistan to be promoted to the country’s highest military rank back in 1959.

“The Government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of Gen Asim Munir (Nishan-e-Imtiaz Military) to the rank of Field Marshal for ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy based on the high strategy and courageous leadership,” the prime minister’s office said.

Although Asim Munir’s promotion was officially approved by the Pakistani government, social media users are mocking him for supposedly “promoting himself.” The criticism alludes to the perception that the army chief holds real power in Pakistan, operating behind the scenes while the prime minister and government serve as a public front.

Users on X criticised the promotion, questioning how someone could be elevated to such a high rank after facing defeat in a conflict and allowing the nation’s air bases to be “bombed.” This backlash comes in the wake of India’s successful defense against Pakistan’s attempted military retaliation following Operation Sindoor, during which Indian armed forces and air defence systems intercepted and neutralised most of the drones and unarmed aerial vehicles.

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Asim Munir’s promotion comes a little over a week after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, committing to halt all military operations across land, sea, and air.Several users shared a video clip featuring Bollywood actor Nana Patekar from a film, where he performs a pooja in front of a mirror and praises himself. They likened the scene to Asim Munir “promoting himself” to the rank of Field Marshal.In fact, singer Adnan Sami also mocked Asim Munir on X by sharing a clip from an old Bollywood film.

— AdnanSamiLive (@AdnanSamiLive)