'Escape from the field': Social media has field day as Pakistan promotes Asim Munir to Field Marshal

Pakistan Army chief general Asim Munir was on Tuesday promoted to the rank of Field Marshal for “successfully” leading the armed forces during the recent conflict with India.

The move, approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, makes Munir only the second officer in Pakistan's history to receive the title—after General Ayub Khan, who was defeated in the 1965 war with India.

While the Pakistani government hailed it as a significant honour, many saw it as a dramatic—and ironic—gesture.

Social media users were quick to mock the promotion, calling it Pakistan’s “most ambitious promotional stunt” yet. “He is the second Field Marshal of Pakistan. The first was Md Ayub Khan, who was defeated by India in 1965. History repeats itself,” one user posted on X.

In Pakistan, getting thrashed by India is officially a promotion ritual.
▪️1965 – Ayub Khan loses the war, crowns himself Field Marshal.
▪️2025 – Asim Munir gets Pakistan annihilated in Op Sindoor, gives himself the same crown.
Only army where cowardice earns medals & defeat gets… pic.twitter.com/YpLHL2D2ku

— Major Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) May 20, 2025

Some questioned what the title was awarded for. “Field Marshal for what exactly?” asked one user, summing up the frustration online.

Another joked: "Failed Marshal Asim Munir promotes himself after leading the country to Pakistan's latest military defeat against India."

Ye wohi Field Marshal hai na jo field se bhag kar bunker me chhup gaya tha

— Chintan (@CricketChintan) May 20, 2025

One meme doing the rounds asked: “Ye wohi Field Marshal hai na jo field se bhag kar bunker me chhup gaya tha?” ( loosely translated as, “Isn’t he the same Field Marshal who ran from the field and hid in a bunker?”)

Asim Munir got a well-deserved promotion due to his exemplary participation in an adventure sport common in Pakistani conditions called ‘Hide In A Bunker The Longest’.

— Kartikeya Tanna (@KartikeyaTanna) May 20, 2025

"Asim Munir got a well-deserved promotion due to his exemplary participation in an adventure sport common in Pakistani conditions called ‘Hide In A Bunker The Longest’," another user remarked.

Asim Munir promoted to the role of a Field marshal for hiding in a bunker for 3 days. 🤣🤣

— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) May 20, 2025

The sarcasm didn’t stop there. "Only in Pakistan you can get a promotion for your failure,” quipped another user.

Some speculated if the title had less to do with military success and more with staying close to power. One viral post read: “Only in Pakistan you can get a promotion for your failure.”

Kuchh medals apne pichhwade me lga lo ...khali ghada khub shor mchata hai! pic.twitter.com/KEQJftSMQe

— Dipu Singh (@DipuSingh241769) May 20, 2025

Another took a dig at the title itself: "They must be confused. Must have asked him to look after Agriculture and leave the Armed Forces. For them that must mean Field Marshal."

What next? President of Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir?!pic.twitter.com/SoNtmsoEju

— Aparichit Babu (@AparichitBabu) May 20, 2025

As satire mixed with disbelief, one user summed it up: “What next? President of Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir?!”

Referencing Pakistan's military record and recent losses, another viral comment read: “Pakistan Army logic: Get defeated by India, lose 11 airbases, declare 'victory', and then promote the boss to Field Marshal.”

Here is a visual demonstration of becoming a Field Marshal right from the field itself. https://t.co/1FOp3HwzlO

— Arsalan Khan (@arsalantweets1) May 20, 2025

As another user joked, the only thing left now may be an ISPR-produced Netflix comedy: “Field Marshal – Escape from the Field.”