Field Marshal General Asim Munir: The guardian of Pakistan’s sovereignty & pride – The Financial Daily

Quaid-i-Azam made Pakistan; Field Marshal Asim Munir saved Pakistan

Field Marshal General Asim Munir: The guardian of Pakistan’s sovereignty & pride

May 20, 2025, marked a historic moment in Pakistan’s military and national history as Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir was bestowed with the prestigious title of Field Marshal, the highest rank in the Pakistan Army. This honor, reserved for extraordinary leadership, strategic brilliance, and unwavering service to the nation, has been awarded after more than six decades-last held by General Ayub Khan in 1959. However, unlike the past, General Asim Munir has received this distinction through a transparent, democratic process, at a time when Pakistan stands globally recognized for its resilience, stability, and strength.

The recognition of General Asim Munir as Field Marshal is not just a military elevation; it is the acknowledgment of a leader who has steered Pakistan through a time of deep crisis and brought it back from the brink of collapse. His leadership, strategy, and devotion to national interest have fortified Pakistan internally and externally, giving new life to national institutions and international credibility.

When General Asim Munir assumed the role of COAS in November 2022, Pakistan was enduring some of the most challenging times in its history. The economy teetered on the edge of default, the threat of internal insurgency-fueled by hostile foreign elements from India and Afghanistan-was growing, and political instability had paralyzed governance, exemplified how internal security had deteriorated, emboldened by foreign proxies.

Internally, institutions were weakened. Pakistan’s sovereignty was under pressure from hybrid threats, misinformation campaigns, and political narratives that aimed to erode trust in the armed forces. Externally, the diplomatic standing of the country was strained. It was at this crucial moment that General Asim Munir took charge and began the process of healing, stabilizing, and rebuilding.

It is essential to recall that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), after being ousted through a constitutional vote of no confidence, launched an aggressive and misleading campaign targeting state institutions-especially the Pakistan Army. Ironically, the same army that facilitated PTI’s rise to power in 2018 became the target of their ire when the democratic process went against them.

Rather than engaging in dialogue within the National Assembly, PTI leaders chose resignation and confrontation. The party attempted to delegitimize state organs by spinning baseless narratives against the United States, the Election Commission, and ultimately, against General Asim Munir himself.

This campaign, largely motivated by the fear of General Asim’s ascension as COAS, included public rallies, foreign lobbying, and even direct letters to friendly nations in an attempt to prevent his appointment. Their preferred choice was Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, who they believed would continue to protect their political interests. However, democratic norms prevailed, and as the senior-most and most competent officer, General Asim Munir rightfully assumed the office of COAS.

General Asim Munir’s principled stance against corruption is well-documented. As Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), he presented credible evidence of misuse of power and corruption involving then Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and First Lady Bushra Bibi. Instead of confronting these allegations transparently, then Prime Minister Imran Khan chose to remove General Asim Munir from his post-an act that exposed the deep-rooted conflicts of interest within the PTI leadership.

This episode reflects the character of a man who chose duty over convenience, truth over compromise, and accountability over silence. It also explains the relentless PTI campaign to tarnish his reputation-a campaign that continues today, now opposing his well-earned promotion to Field Marshal.

Under General Asim Munir’s leadership, Pakistan has seen a revival of institutional discipline, enhanced counterterrorism operations, and strengthened international partnerships. His support to the democratically elected government has ensured a unified civil-military vision for development, security, and diplomacy. Major economic and security reforms have been implemented under his backing, and the defense forces have shown unity and operational readiness unseen in recent years. Due to the confidence of the business community and the improving economic indicators under this stability, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) recently crossed the historic 120,000-point mark for the first time-a powerful signal of national economic recovery and growing investor trust.

Moreover, General Asim Munir led the army during a historic defensive operation, where Pakistan thwarted a major incursion attempt by India, ensuring a clear victory that is now globally acknowledged. This victory played a decisive role in restoring Pakistan’s regional standing and served as a reminder that Pakistan remains a powerful, sovereign nation capable of defending its territory and dignity.

Today, under the leadership of Field Marshal General Asim Munir, the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, and Pakistan Navy stand more united than ever. There is clarity of command, loyalty to the constitution, and a strategic roadmap for national defense and progress.

In every sense, General Asim Munir has proven to be the man Pakistan needed-steadfast, strategic, and selfless. His commitment to national interest goes beyond personal recognition. The Field Marshal title merely formalizes what millions already believe: he is the protector of Jinnah’s Pakistan.

History will remember this day not just for the conferment of a military rank, but as a symbolic recognition of a man who saved Pakistan when it was slipping into chaos. From exposing corruption at the highest level to restoring Pakistan’s global image and strengthening internal security, General Asim Munir has fulfilled every expectation of a leader in uniform.

I personally believe that “Quaid-i-Azam made Pakistan. Field Marshal Asim Munir saved Pakistan.”

Let the history of Pakistan forever record this as the era when integrity defeated propaganda, and national interest triumphed over personal gain.