Support for General Asim surges after India conflict

Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir is the most powerful man in the country, but his popular support has surged after the worst conflict in decades with India, shattering criticism of interference in politics and harshly cracking down on opponents.

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A grateful government has given him a rare promotion to Field Marshal "in recognition of the strategic brilliance and courageous leadership that ensured national security and decisively defeated the enemy."

"Long live General Asim Munir!" read placards held aloft in rallies in recent days in towns across Pakistan. His picture was put up on lamp posts and bridges, with some banners saying: "You are our saviour!"

A survey conducted after the conflict by Gallup Pakistan, a local pollster, found that 938 of respondents felt their opinion of the military had improved.

Asim Munir’s most bitter domestic foe, jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, also congratulated the military after this month's clashes with India, claimed by both nations as a victory.

"It's my country, it's my army," Imran said in a post on X last week. "I pay tribute to the Pakistan Air Force and all our military personnel for their professionalism and outstanding performance."

Yousuf Nazar, a political commentator, said of Munir: "He has emerged as Pakistan's strongman with his military's reputation restored as a formidable force."