What Authority Comes with the Rank of Field Marshal?

The rank of Field Marshal is the highest and only five-star military title in the Pakistan Army, sitting above the rank of General. It is an honorary, lifelong position awarded for exceptional military leadership and service, not tied to operational command or constitutional authority.

The first and only previous recipient of this rank was General Ayub Khan in 1965. In 2025, COAS General Asim Munir became the second individual in Pakistan’s history to receive this honor, in recognition of his leadership during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsus, which resulted in a decisive military victory against Indian aggression.

Despite the rank’s prestige, a Field Marshal holds no legislative or executive powers, and the title does not grant any extra-constitutional authority. The position remains symbolic, representing national recognition of unmatched service to the country.

The appointment is made by the President of Pakistan, on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Defence Ministry, and is not governed by any formal recurring process in law.

In essence, the rank of Field Marshal stands as a rare and distinguished symbol of military excellence — honorary in status, but without governing powers.

Source: Web Desk