In Pakistan, democracy slips, military advances

The elevation of General Munir to the rank of Field Marshal could signal a further consolidation of military power in Pakistan, impacting the country's democratic institutions

- PJS Pannu

The sudden elevation of General Asim Munir, the chief of Pakistan army, to the rank of Field Marshal has shocked many. One has never heard of a general getting an instant promotion immediately after a swift military defeat. The first phase of Operation Sindoor was paused after Pakistan's director general of operations (DGMO) threw in the towel and called his Indian counterpart for a ceasefire.

The Pakistani DGMO's call was preceded by a plea to the US for help after the Indian Armed Forces destroyed 11 military airfields. What was considered as a self-goal was converted by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the master propaganda machinery of Pakistan's armed forces, into a self-belief of victory and a resultant reward for General Munir's performance. There are many surprises, beginning with Munir behaving more like a terrorist and less like a military general.

There is a speculation whether this elevation means him losing power vested in him as COAS or would he now be more powerful wearing a double hat. Munir was relatively unknown outside Pakistan until he made the inflammatory 'jugular vein' speech in Pakistan that had overtones of jihadi propaganda, which was applauded by the captive military and subordinate political audience. To an ordinary person, Munir's script would have appeared out of context. Hardly had the sound of this speech faded, there was an attack in India on handpicked Hindu tourists picnicking in picturesque Pahalgam. It was a no-brainer to link the murder of the innocent Hindus to Munir's statement. The attack closely resembled the Hamas attack on holidaying tourists in Israel. Sudden anger rippled through India demanding a heavy and immediate punitive response. The resultant Operation Sindoor was a swift and precise standoff with aerial strikes on terrorist bases deep inside Pakistan.