Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has raised alarms over Pakistan’s recent decision to promote its Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, to the ceremonial but powerful rank of Field Marshal. Bolton described the move as “potentially disturbing,” warning that it could grant China greater influence within Pakistan at a time of growing geopolitical tension in the region.
Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Bolton criticized the promotion amid Pakistan’s ongoing internal unrest and fragile democratic framework. He cited the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the repression of dissent as signs of deeper instability.
“I think it’s potentially a disturbing sign. Obviously, internal dissent in Pakistan is repressed. Imran Khan remains in prison. I ultimately don’t think this is in Pakistan’s own interest,” said Bolton. “This is something the U.S. government should press on them. The continued level of hostility here is just going to impede Pakistan’s development, as it has for many years already.”
Bolton also suggested the move could open another door for Chinese strategic maneuvering. “It worries me that it is another opportunity for the Chinese to take advantage of these developments that gives them additional leverage inside Pakistan,” he added.
The Pakistani federal cabinet approved General Munir’s promotion on Tuesday, citing his leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and the confrontation with India, referred to as Marka-i-Haq, as justification. Despite Pakistan’s military suffering significant setbacks, particularly during India’s recent Operation Sindoor—a retaliatory strike following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack—Islamabad has projected the outcome as a “historic victory.”
General Munir becomes only the second individual in Pakistan’s history to attain the rank of Field Marshal. The first, General Ayub Khan, promoted himself to the rank in 1959 after seizing power in a military coup and assuming the presidency the previous year. Notably, even long-ruling General Pervez Musharraf never adopted the title.
While largely symbolic, the Field Marshal rank is permanent and free from retirement—a move many analysts say further entrenches military supremacy over Pakistan’s civilian leadership.
Observers see Munir’s elevation as an attempt to reinforce his authority and deflect from the military’s recent failings, particularly its inability to prevent or respond effectively to India’s precision strikes during Operation Sindoor.
The development underscores the increasingly blurred lines between civilian governance and military power in Pakistan—and, as Bolton cautioned, may deepen China’s strategic foothold in the country amid a shifting regional balance.
