Fd Marshal Asim Munir can be compared with the seventeenth century fictional character, Don Quixote, who lived in his make believe world, having read about the exploits of tyranny of the Islamic invaders who plundered our country in the last millennia. Quixote, also assumed the title of Don as his modern day avatar Asim Munir has anointed himself Fd Marshal. Quixote tilted at the wind mills, and declared himself the winner, so did the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan. Anyone else in his position would have quietly resigned having suffered the ignominy of being reduced to suing for peace within four days after having sworn to deliver a resounding victory for his forces.
He also reminds me of another fictional screen character, Soorma Bhopali of Sholay fame, I am sure most Indian readers would be familiar with his name. ‘Soorma’ meaning brave warrior in Urdu, would narrate stories of his valour to the hangers on as to how he single handedly caught two ruffians by the scruff of their neck, when the heroes Jai and Veeru suddenly make an unannounced appearance forcing him to change his tune totally. Asim Munir too has sold his own narrative firstly to himself, and then to his gullible countrymen. His country as we all know is famous for only two kinds of export to the world, one of course is terrorism and the other being donkeys. Having been rearing assess for so long their wisdom too has gone on a long recess, wonder whether it will ever find its way back.
Terror organisations and extremist groups have their own self styled rank structure with many of them donning the mantle of Generals. That is reason enough for Munir too to declare himself a Fd Marshal, as when these rag-tag forces can have their very own Generals, Pakistan Army ought to have a Fd Marshal. Genuinely intrigued by this promotion, I started to peruse the etymology of this rank itself, and to my surprise I discovered that the term traces its origin to the Middle Ages, where the keeper of the horses was supposed to be Field Marshal. Horses are now only for ceremonial purposes in modern armies, so may be in keeping with the age old traditions, this ceremonial rank was bestowed upon him as well. Interestingly Pak Army is supposed to be a big business enterprise and their Quarter Master General (QMG) must be a highly coveted appointment and sure enough Munir had tenanted that very same appointment right before becoming the Chief.
Not satisfied with this elevation, he went ahead and invited himself to the Washington Military Parade itself till the White House Administration was forced to issue a clarification to the contrary. If there is one award that he truly deserves that would be the Goebbels (Nazi Propaganda Minister of the Third Reich during Second World War) Award for spinning the wildest possible propaganda yarn of the millennium.
13 thoughts on “Modern Day Quixote”
Bang on!
Delusional people!
Yes. He has built his whole house and narrative on false premises and wheeling dealing. It is but time and opportunity when all this comes down like a pack of cards. Imran is not finished and some key generals are waiting in the wings. So the chap has his moment in the Sun. Lets see once Iran is done with. Great topic to flag, as always Suyash.
Grand aspirations and enthusiastic pronouncements but no tangible outcomes. Hope he fails always as there is no success in inhuman and cowardly acts. Seems full lessons not taught that true success can be achieved only in goodness for humanity.
I liked the smart parallel Suyash. Cute!
Yes, Mullah Munir becomes Fd Marshal. To my eyes, it is a dazzling puppet show. Media blitzkrieg. But who are the puppetiers & what is the motive? Would appreciate a perspective of a leading professor from any IIMs. Our growth as a Nation of 1.45 billion would certainly be giving jitters to some unseen but most powerful players of the business world….
Good comparison Sir. Anointed FM and appointed PM. So much for national level structures. Last time they annointed themselves an FM, they were halved. By arithmetic progression, wonder what will happen this time? AJ
A humorously drawn parallels from a fictional characters n places and Pakistan and it’s Fd Marshal. Here is a country which is always in denial n living in a fools paradise.
Most of Pak Army Generals are of Hindu Punjabi lineage but afflicted by the fiction stories of medieval era narrated by tribal Arabic leader Mohammad also called The Prophet of Islam. Islam itself implies submition. The leader expects others to submit to his whims which others do so under fear of sword. Same submissive men reach the top position expecting others to submit to them. This is also the Abrahamic doctrine. Plus the influence of the British extravaganza at others cost makes a heady cocktail, giving this delusion of a self centric universe existing to comply with their greed driven desires. In other words, it’s lack of knowledge and scientific tempered outlook to human life. These animal like savages driven by greed and lust live within human habitats but continue to pursue carnal instinct of animals. The fact that their anscestors were once enlightened minds with human values ingrained in them shows the dangers imposed by conversions, be it by force or any other means. Any single human converting to savagery is one enemy more. Do Human males understand this threat? Most don’t and so it’s the weakness of human males that savagery expands. Human Life is not easy.
The abrahamic religions have fostered war on this planet.
Unfortunately people do not read and interpret history correctly. They believe in what they are fed.
Asim Munir is a product of Zia’s times; the mullah- army nexus. And Suyesh has put his word sword to compare him rightly with Don and soorma bhopali..
Excellent piece. Remarkable man! I too had attempted to unravel this promotion, though in a slightly tongue in cheek manner.
https://servedfunnysideup.com/2025/05/24/10-easy-steps-to-becoming-a-field-marshal-the-secret-diary-of-asim-munir/
Ha ha, handling asses, you’ve got it Suyash !!! Quite funny and well satirical !!
The Character of this Quixotic Individual has been lucidly analysed drawing Parallels from Miltary History and Bollywood. Lets wait and see,how things Pan out in the Nark Ecosystem .Already he is getting “Booed” by his Diaspora.The Day is not far When he would opt for an Asylum. .” Picture abhi baki hai”.