Pakistan Army Chief’s elevation to Field Marshal sparks intense trolling amid military setbacks; Adnan Sami, netizens ridicule promotion with viral memes and satire.
Islamabad/New Delhi, May 21, 2025 – In a move that has triggered both satire and criticism, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has been promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, becoming only the second officer in the nation’s history to receive the country’s highest military title.
The announcement came following a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the official statement hailing Munir’s “high strategy and courageous leadership” during the recent India-Pakistan conflict.
Asim Munir promoted himself to Field Marshal of 🇵🇰Aand Forces🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/tPwrhbTAyr
— Hindutva Knight (@HPhobiaWatch) May 20, 2025
Public Reaction: “Failed Marshal”
However, the announcement has backfired on social media, where users have launched a barrage of memes and commentary mocking the decision.
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Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir promoting himself to the rank of Field Marshal. pic.twitter.com/EGIbExfd3c
— Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) May 20, 2025
Many questioned how a military leader under whose watch Pakistan’s air bases were bombed and a retaliatory strike failed could be rewarded with the title of Field Marshal.
General #AsimMunir ’s Acceptance Speech addressed to the Government of Pakistan as his audience after being made FIELD MARSHAL!!🤭 pic.twitter.com/GEltVI8GCH
— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) May 20, 2025
“Asim Munir has been promoted to Failed Marshal, not Field Marshal,” quipped one user on X (formerly Twitter).
Some users even shared a clip of Bollywood actor Nana Patekar performing a self-puja in a mirror, jokingly comparing it to Munir promoting himself. Others ridiculed reports of Munir taking shelter in a bunker during India’s Operation Sindoor, suggesting that his new rank entitles him to a “more spacious bunker.”
Adnan Sami’s Viral Dig
Renowned singer Adnan Sami, who renounced his Pakistani citizenship and became an Indian citizen in 2016, also joined the trolling. He shared a video clip from an old Bollywood movie, in which a man gives a passionate speech to animals, declaring, “I will protect the rights of all donkeys… with the power vested in me.”
Sami’s sarcastic caption did not name Munir directly but left little ambiguity in its context, joining a wave of mockery sweeping across Indian and Pakistani social media circles.
Backdrop: Operation Sindoor and Ceasefire
The backlash follows a tense period of military conflict earlier this month, which culminated in a May 10 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. During the brief but intense exchange, India successfully thwarted Pakistan’s attempted retaliation, neutralizing several drones and aerial intrusions. The aftermath, many argue, reflected poorly on the Pakistan Army’s preparedness and leadership.
Despite this, the Pakistan government’s decision to honor Munir is being perceived by critics as symbolic of the military’s unchecked influence in the country’s civilian affairs.
Historical Note
General Ayub Khan was the first and only other officer in Pakistan to be named Field Marshal, receiving the rank in 1959 before becoming President. Munir now joins that exclusive—and controversial—list.
Tags:
Asim Munir, Field Marshal, Pakistan Army, Operation Sindoor, India Pakistan Ceasefire, Adnan Sami, Social Media Reactions, Military Promotions, Pakistan Politics, Indian Twitter Reactions, OperationSindoor,