"You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours" — this old saying perfectly captures the relationship between Pakistan's elected governments and its powerful military establishment. In a country where democratic institutions struggle for autonomy, and the military always dominates, mutual back-scratching isn’t just common -- it is the need of the hour.
A perfect example is the recent elevation of General Asim Munir to the rare rank of Field Marshal. Constitutionally, such a move required cabinet approval and so it was granted. Critics argue that this was not just a ceremonial gesture but part of a larger unwritten deal. By approving Munir’s promotion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif showed its loyalty and in return, the military maintained its grip on security matters without overtly undermining the civilian order and presenting to the world a facade of thriving democracy.
Why was Munir Elevated?
Following the May 2025 India–Pakistan war, Munir was elevated (of course, outwardly via cabinet approval) to become only the second-ever Pakistan Field Marshal, following Ayub Khan. This rank grants him five-star status while continuing as Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). His appointment as Field Marshal triggered democratic concerns, with many claiming that it signals a drift towards further military dominance.
In Pakistan, the title of Field Marshal is the highest rank in the military hierarchy. The power associated with a Field Marshal in Pakistan goes beyond military strategy -- it carries political weight and the potential to shape the country’s direction in matters of security, foreign policy, and internal stability. Historically, Pakistan’s military has played a dominant role not just in defense but also in politics, with military leaders often stepping into governance through coups.
Does Sharif Dread Field Marshal to Topple the Government?
If a Field Marshal were to attempt direct dissolution, it would be considered a violation of the Constitution and technically illegal, though the judiciary and establishment have historically justified removal of elected governments through coups or judicial manipulation in the past and have supported such actions in the name of ''national interest''. And, why should the judiciary and establishment not? After all, it is a matter of their survival too because often even the high court judges too have complained of being threatened either by ISI or Army. So, it is better to keep quiet and extend support to those who are in power.
Even Shehbaz Sharif's nod to the elevation of Munir and later bestowing all the praises in Pakistan, Turkey and elsewhere is an example of greasing the palm of Munir. And, it is quite obvious that a PM in Pakistan has to cowdown and toe the Army line. If not, be ready to be shown the door. So, Shehbaz here too can't be an aberration.
But why Are Sharif & Munir Spreading Lies?
The irony of so-called democratic Pakistan has been that it could never give a complete upper hand to an elected govt or Army or judiciary or ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) or even to its non-state actors, mushrooming under the motherly care of 'state actors'( i.e. the govt, Army & ISI) or better to say 'non-stage actors'. In Pakistan, non-state actors -- militant and jihadist groups -- have received tacit and active support from the government, military, and particularly the ISI. And over the years while extending support to these non-state actors, the 'state actors' have become 'non-stage actors'. Now, they don't need a stage to perform or act and they openly do antics, melodrama and enactments, and try to keep fooling its people and the world.
What role did 'non-stage actor' Shehbaz play in Turkey?
Take the example of Shehbaz Sharif in Turkey. During the recent visit to its ally, Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing a delegation, proudly concocted a lie of defeating India, and praised Munir. He said that Munir gave a befitting reply to India during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. Sharif claimed that India had no choice but to ask for surrender, and it was only Pakistan who emerged victorious. Sharif even went on to personally introduce Munir to the Turkish delegation with pride, presenting him as the hero behind Pakistan’s strategic success, further proving his loyalty to Munir and the military.
And, why should not Sharif do so in Turkey? It's all because Munir had already played his part well while they both were in Pakistan. Munir had already hosted a fake ''victory'' dinner and gave a framed picture to Sharif as a proof of his military action against India. However, the picture was actually from a Chinese military exercise in 2017 and not the Pakistani Army in action. So, it was another brazen attempt of Pakistan Army’s false narrative of win and destruction caused to India by Pakistan.
So, in the aftermath of India’s crackdown on cross-border terrorists, the traditional non-state actors have largely been silenced, and now, 'non-stage actors' like Shehbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir have taken center stage to spread lies and exaggerated claims of victory against India. These two gentlemen have completely sidelined facts and are slowly perfecting in this new art of melodrama, while Pakistanis look baffled and grapple with deepening internal chaos.
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