Beloved strongman: Support for Pakistan army chief surges after India conflict

FILE PHOTO: People carry posters showing the pictures of Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Asim Munir, (R) along with Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Service Public Relations wing of Pakistan Armed Forces, as they take part in a rally in support of Pakistan Army, a day after the ceasefire announcement between India and Pakistan, in Lahore, Pakistan, May 11, 2025. REUTERS/Mohsin Raza /File Photo

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -Pakistan's army chief General Asim Munir is the most powerful man in the country, but his popular support has surged after the worst conflict in decades with arch-rival India, shattering criticism of interference in politics and harshly cracking down on opponents.

A grateful government has given him a rare promotion to Field Marshal "in recognition of the strategic brilliance and courageous leadership that ensured national security and decisively defeated the enemy".