Field marshal (FM) is the highest rank in the Pakistan Army awarded by the government of Pakistan to officers of the Pakistan Army in recognition of distinguished service. Although it is a current and authorized rank with a pay grade of "Apex Scale," it has been conferred only thrice in history—on Ayub Khan in 1959, King Mahendra of Nepal on 12 May 1963 (as an honorary conferment), and Asim Munir in 2025. It is an honorary rank and comes with no additional powers and pay grade. It is equivalent to admiral of the fleet in the Pakistan Navy and marshal of the air force in the Pakistan Air Force, and while it is an ordinarily senior rank in the Pakistan Army, it can be referred to as a five-star general "standard rank scale" to distinguish it from other military insignias.
History Since gaining independence in 1947, Pakistan has awarded the rank of Field Marshal only three times — first to Ayub Khan in October 1959.
The second instance was the honorary conferment of the rank upon King Mahendra of Nepal by Field Marshal and President Mohammad Ayub Khan, on 12 May 1963.
The third instance occurred in May 2025, when Asim Munir, the Chief of the Army Staff, was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal for his contributions in the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict when Pakistan, under Munir's leadership, retaliated against India, shooting down multiple Indian jets.
Appointment The appointment of field marshal is made through an appeal submitted for review request by the Prime Minister of Pakistan in a joint effort with the President and Defence Ministry to the Supreme Court or high court for constitutional orders under certain rules and regulations, although the president exercises the power of the commander-in-chief and prime minister leads the National Assembly.
List of appointees
Portrait Name Date of appointment Notes 1 Muhammad Ayub Khan October 1959 President of Pakistan 2Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah12 May 1963King of Nepal3Asim Munir20 May 2025Chief of Defence ForcesChief of Army Staff
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