Photo : Facebook@ISPROfficial1/File
Photo : Facebook@ISPROfficial1/File
In Focus
Federal cabinet promotes General Syed Asim Munir as Pakistan’s Field Marshal; And extends the tenure Air Chief Marshal
On 20 May, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, the highest post in the Pakistan army, by the unanimous decision of the federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The promotion is in recognition of his leadership in Pakistan's retaliatory attack, Operation Bunyanum Maroos, in the conflict Pakistan has termed Marka-e-haq, and its supposed victory. Reports state that General Munir was formally recommended for the position by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
What is the background?
On 10 May, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos in retaliation to India's Operation Sindoor. The operation is claimed to have targeted and damaged several of India's critical military infrastructure. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier declared 10 May to be observed as 'Youm-e-Ma'kraka-e-Haq', or 'Day of the Battle of Truth.'
The cabinet has also unanimously declared a second open-ended extension to the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu for his services and announced that soldiers of Pakistan Armed Forces, military personnel, and civilians who contributed to the operation will be awarded high government awards for their services.
General Munir's promotion for his "unparalleled leadership" is reported to be highly welcomed by the cabinet and the nation. The cabinet lauded General Munir for "uniting the armed forces under a synchronised military strategy that decisively thwarted the enemy's ambitions." In Sindh, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed his welcome at the promotion and extended his congratulations to General Syed Asim Munir.
What makes the promotion significant?
The rank of Field Marshal, a five-star apex rank, is the senior most rank in the Pakistan Armed Forces. The rank is largely honorary and bears immense symbolic prestige, and is awarded for exceptional leadership and services. The rank has been awarded only once before, to General Muhammad Ayub Khan in 1959. Notably, Army Chief Ayub Khan had also been the then President and promoted himself to Field Marshal.
Possible outcomes and implications
On 21 May, Dawn analysed the implications of General Munir's promotion to Field Marshal across various spheres. Among military circles, "the creation of a long-proposed chief of defence staff (CDS) role" is anticipated, while other sources have declined the possibility of structural changes. However, the possible creation of a position of the Vice Chief of Army Staff for a four-star general is largely agreed upon.
The promotion has also sparked debates on the legal validity of the promotion in reference to Article 243 of the Pakistan Army Act, which "grants the president the authority to appoint service chiefs on the advice of the prime minister, but it does not mention five-star ranks." In response, a Ministry of Defence notification clarified that the promotion is made under Rule 199A of the Army Regulations (Rules) 1998, which states that "A general officer, whether serving or retired, may be promoted to the rank of field marshal by the federal government without regard to seniority or any specific appointment."
Strategically, the promotion is predicted to " bolster Field Marshal Munir’s standing both within the military and in political circles," especially at a time of domestic instability and civil-military tensions. ("General's star rises to marshal skies," The Express Tribune, 21 May 2025; "COAS Gen Asim promoted to rank of field marshal," The News International, 21 May 2015; "National tribute to a historic wartime leader," The News International, 21 May 2025; "Pakistan army gets second field marshal after 66 years," The News International, 21 May 2025; "Murad hails Gen Asim Munir’s promotion to field marshal rank," The News International, 21 May 2025; "COAS elevated to field marshal for ‘decisive role’ in Marka-i-Haq," Dawn, 21 May 2025)
Violent protests in Sindh over the Indus canal project
On 21 May, Dawn reported that in Moro, Naushahro Feroz, protest against proposed canals on the River Indus turned deadly on 20 May, with one protester, Zahid Leghari, dead and over a dozen injured, including a DSP and six policemen. Organized by Sindh Saba, the protest saw activists block the Moro bypass road, armed with rods and sticks, opposing corporate farming and the proposed 6 canals. Police attempts to disperse the crowd escalated into violence, with baton charges and firing which injured several. Protesters torched two trailers and a police van, later ransacked Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar’s residence. Rooms and furniture were reportedly burnt at the minister’s residence. The situation, which worsened after Leghari’s death, saw businesses shut and roads deserted. Sindh IG Ghulam Nabi Memon reported 50 to 60 armed protesters fought with police. Several were arrested. Lanjar ordered a detailed report and pledged action on the event. PPP’s Ajiz Dhamra condemned the attack as a terrorist act. By 7pm, calm was restored, but tensions remain high as investigations continue. (Zulfiqar Memon, “Canal protest turns violent; one dead, over dozen hurt in Sindh’s Moro,” Dawn, 21 May 2025, “Sindh minister's home burnt after two protesters killed,” The Express Tribune, 21 May 2025)
On India
Punjab Assembly condemns the violation of Indus Treaty
On 21 May, The News International reported on the resolution unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly on 20 May that condemned the violation of the Indus Basin Treaty by India. The resolution asserted that no agreement can be made over the water issue. The PMLN legislator Uzma Kardar moved the bill. She stated that Pakistan would protect its “sovereignty and independence” against India. She claimed that the world viewed India as an “irresponsible country” and had lost its worth in the international sphere. The resolution rejected India’s violation of the Indus Basin Treaty (1960), and India was warned in the resolution not to mistake Pakistan’s stance on peace as a weakness. The Punjab Assembly saw heated arguments previously. The report also mentioned Minister Sohaib's comment that Modi’s effigy would be set on fire in the whole of Pakistan, and he claimed that, given Pakistan’s strong response to India, it was well deserved. (Faizan Bangash, “PA condemns breach of Indus Waters Treaty by India,” The News International,21 May 2025)
On China
Chinese Envoy hails “operational excellence” showcased by Pakistan Air Force, reports The News
On 21 May, The News International reported that China has appreciated the “operational excellence” showcased by the Air Force of Pakistan in the brief confrontation with India. As per The News International, the appreciation came from the Chinese envoy to Pakistan Jian Zaidong who held a discussion with Pakistan’s Chief of the Air Staff, Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on 20 May. In addition to that, as per The News, Zaidong expressed China’s commitment to furnish “full technical assistance” so that the Pakistan Air Force could further enhance its “aerial defense capabilities.” The Chief of Air Staff of Pakistan thanked China for “continued support and unwavering friendship.”
On the same day, The News reported how the recent confrontation between India and Pakistan became a testing arena for China-made weapons. As per The News, analysts around the world are seeing the alleged downing of Rafale jets by the Pakistan Air Force using China made jets in the recent confrontation as the rise of “Beijing’s military might.” The News notes that though China invests huge amounts of money into its defence, the US continues to occupy the top position in the list of “arms exporter.” As per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China’s 63 per cent of weapon exports goes to Pakistan. As per the The News, Pakistan made use of China made J-10 C and JF-17 Thunder fighter planes against India in the recent skirmish. As per Stimson Centres Yun Sun, J-10 C have never been used before in a confrontation prior to this. The Centre also expresses hopes that there would be a surge in the demand for Chinese aircrafts.
On 20 May, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. The Pakistani Foreign Minister landed in Beijing on 20 May to embark on his “three-day official visit.” Foreign Minister Wang Yi appreciated how India and Pakistan diffused the brief confrontation via “dialogue.” He also pledged to further enhance ties with Pakistan. Foreign Minister Dar also thanked China for backing “sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Pakistan. They also deliberated upon bilateral relations between the two countries and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0. (“China lauds PAF’s unmatched operational excellence,” The News International, 21 May 2025; “Chinese weapons get rare battle test in Pakistan-India fighting,” The News International, 21 May 2025; “China says it backs Pakistan in defending ‘sovereignty,’” Dawn, 21 May 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PTI open to talks with the Military establishment over the Government
On 21 May, Dawn reported on the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman’s statement on the PTI leader Imran Khan's willingness to talk with the military and stated that the doors for talks with the government were shut while speaking to the reporters. He expressed his hope for the release of the detained party leader Imran Khan within a week, and claimed that the cases against Imran were “bogus and politically motivated.” The report highlighted the government denying claims of holding meetings with the PTI on Khan’s release, and the PML-N leader Irfan Siddique stated that no individual is granted exceptions and the only way to find the solution is through the courts. He stated that a nation’s stability does not depend on a single individual and stated that the PTI should not hold on to the hope of foreign help. Addressing the report on an attempt by PTI to submit a no-confidence motion against the National Assembly speaker, Siddiqui stated that the government would face it with calm and “composure.” The report also mentioned that the PTI condemned India for its aggressive behavior and claimed that New Delhi is “hell-bent on weaponizing water.” Sheikh Waqas claimed that India’s project on Chenab, Jhelum and Indus rivers violated the Indus Water Treaty, while urging the government to adopt a strategy to counter the violations Iftikhar A Khan, Ikram Junaidi, “Door shut on talks with govt, not with establishment: Gohar,” Dawn 21 May 2025)
Protests planned in Balochistan over the “12-point Charter of demand”
On 21May, Dawn covered the Balochistan Grand Alliance’s announcement of a week-long protest starting 22 May, should the provincial government not agree to their “12-point charter of demands.” Prof. Abdul Qudoos Kakar criticized the government’s treatment of public sector employees and opposed the proposed pension reforms, labeling them as anti-worker. He called for an end to contract hiring and privatization in public sector departments, emphasizing the need for salary increases in line with inflation. The report detailed the BGA’s phased protest strategy, which involves wearing armbands, conducting a pen-down strike in all government offices, organizing rallies, and initiating a hunger strike by setting up camps outside the Quetta Press Club and other press clubs in Balochistan. (Saleem Shahid, “Balochistan Grand Alliance gives govt two days to accept demands or face protest,” Dawn, 21 May 2025)
SOCIETY
On Pakistan’s new bill against Child Marriage
“If we are to truly eradicate child marriage, then we must go beyond legislation. We must redefine what it means to raise a girl in Pakistan,” urged an editorial in The News International
On 21 May, an editorial in The News International titled “Future for our girls,” stated that on 19 May, Pakistan’s Senate passed the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, following the National Assembly’s approval. This marked a crucial step against child marriage. Introduced by Senator Sherry Rehman, the bill is said to impose strict penalties for those facilitating or engaging in Child Marriage, with Pakistan currently accounting for 28 per cent of global child marriages. The editorial discussed how despite previous laws like the 1929 Child Marriage Restraint Act, deep rooted societal and cultural norms valuing girls primarily as wives and mothers perpetuated the issue. Resistance to change is strong, as observed so far with the National Assembly stalling the bill's progress multiple times earlier. This is reflective of broader societal resistance. The parents also believe marriage offers security given the status of women’s safety in the country. The fears of safety or tradition often override girls’ aspirations. The bill offers hope, however, its success relies upon enforcement and societal transformation. The editorial called for redefining raising girls through education, skills, and financial independence, especially for lower-income families. Coordinated efforts between federal and provincial governments, alongside civil society, educators, and media, are crucial for this shift. Girls must be seen as individuals with aspirations and potential, not just future brides, argued the editorial. (“Future for our girls,” The News International, 21 May 2025)
EXTERNAL
PM Shehbaz Sharif praises Egypt’s “constructive role” during India-Pak skirmish
On 21 May, Dawn reported on the phone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Egyptian President Abdel Fatteh Al-Sisi, during which Pakistan praised Egypt's constructive role and balanced approach during the India-Pakistan conflict. The official statement released by the Prime Minister indicated that Egypt played a key role in diffusing tensions. The PM also praised the military for protecting the country and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining the ceasefire for regional peace. He brought the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty by India to the attention of the Egyptian President. During his meeting in the Middle East, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the timely and regular delivery of assistance to the people of Gaza from international powers. He expressed satisfaction with the bilateral relations and a desire to enhance trade and investment, which was echoed by the Egyptian President, who expressed a wish to strengthen their ties. The Egyptian President was extended an invitation, which he accepted. ( Syed Irfan Raza, “Shehbaz, Sisi discuss Middle East, subcontinent tensions,” Dawn, 21 May, 2025 )
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