Who is Field Marshal and what constitutional powers does he have?
The title Field Marshal is the highest and only five-star military rank in the Pakistan Army, sitting above the rank of General.
Honorary position
Field Marshal is the highest rank in the military, an honorary position bestowed upon individuals for outstanding service.
While there’s no specific term length for a Field Marshal in the same way as for other military ranks, it’s a lifelong position.
First Field Marshal Ayub Khan
The only person to hold this rank in Pakistan’s history was General Ayub Khan, who was promoted to Field Marshal in 1965.
He remained in that position until his death. The rank is awarded by the President of Pakistan.
Ayub Khan, then the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army and later the President of Pakistan, himself was elevated to this position in recognition of his ‘military leadership’.
Since then, COAS General Asim Munir has been awarded this rank to acknowledge General Asim Munir’s brilliant military leadership, bravery, and commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the recently held Operation Banyanun Marsoos against India’s Operation Sindoor.
It is necessary to mention that the Pakistan Armed Forces successfully defended the motherland and shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three French-made Rafale jets.
India has indirectly acknowledged the incident, as a senior Indian Air Force officer stated during a media briefing that “losses are part of war.”
Rank and Status
Service Branch: Pakistan Army
Rank Level: Five-star (NATO Code: OF-10)
Next Lower Rank: General
Equivalent to: Admiral of the Fleet (Navy), Marshal of the Air Force (Air Force)
Pay Grade: Apex Scale (Honorary; no additional powers or privileges)
Although the rank is officially recognized, it does not come with operational command authority or constitutional power.
It is honorary in nature and symbolic of exceptional military service.
Authority Under the Constitution
According to Pakistan’s constitutional and legal framework: The President of Pakistan is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
The Prime Minister holds executive powers and is responsible for national governance, including military appointments and policies.
The appointment of a Field Marshal is made through a special appeal involving the Prime Minister, President, Defence Ministry, and potentially the Supreme Court or High Court for constitutional guidance.
Despite its prestige, the rank of Field Marshal does not grant extra-constitutional authority. All actions by military personnel must remain within constitutional bounds.
Statutory Limitations
There is no permanent or recurring mechanism for appointing a Field Marshal in Pakistani law. The rank does not bestow additional legislative, executive, or judicial powers.
The Constitution of Pakistan restricts any individual, including those in uniform, from exercising unsanctioned political or administrative power.
The Field Marshal is a prestigious military rank in Pakistan, historically awarded only once. It represents symbolic excellence rather than operational power.
The Constitution of Pakistan ensures that the role remains honorary, with no individual — military or civilian — allowed to override the legal limits of authority in the governance of the country.
