Who is Field Marshal and what powers does he have?

Field Marshal is the highest and only five-star rank in the Pakistan Army, positioned above the rank of General. It is an honorary title conferred in recognition of extraordinary military service.

Nature of the Rank:
Unlike other military positions, Field Marshal is a lifelong, symbolic title and does not involve a specific term or active command responsibilities. The rank is granted by the President of Pakistan, usually upon the recommendation of key government bodies.

Historical Context:
The only individual historically awarded this rank in Pakistan is General Ayub Khan. He was elevated to Field Marshal in 1965 for his exceptional military leadership. He later became the President of Pakistan and retained the rank until his death.

Recently, General Asim Munir, the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), was also awarded the title of Field Marshal. This honor was given in recognition of his leadership during Operation Banyanun Marsoos, a successful military response to India’s Operation Sindoor, in which six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, were shot down.

Rank Details:
– Branch: Pakistan Army
– Rank Level: Five-star (NATO Code: OF-10)
– Next Lower Rank: General
– Equivalent Ranks: Admiral of the Fleet (Navy), Marshal of the Air Force (Air Force)
– Pay Grade: Apex Scale (Honorary – without additional privileges or powers)

Constitutional Role:
Though recognized at the highest level, the Field Marshal holds no constitutional authority or command power. The title is purely honorary. The President is the supreme commander of the armed forces, while executive authority lies with the Prime Minister, including over military affairs.

The appointment of a Field Marshal typically involves consultation among the Prime Minister, President, Ministry of Defence, and occasionally judicial institutions for constitutional clarity.

Legal Boundaries:
There is no permanent law for routinely granting the Field Marshal rank. It offers no legislative, executive, or judicial authority. All military appointments and activities must conform strictly to the Constitution. The title symbolizes military excellence but does not allow overreach into civil governance or political influence.