Field marshal (Pakistan)

Field Marshal (FM) is the five-star and highest rank in the Pakistan Army awarded by the Government of Pakistan to the chief of army staff of the Pakistan Army in recognition of distinguished service. It is the highest rank in the Pakistan Armed Forces that ranks above General as well as Air Chief Marshal of the Pakistan Air Force and Admiral of the Pakistan Navy and below none. Although it is a current and authorized rank with a pay grade of "Apex Scale", it has been used one-off throughout its history and no Pakistani army officer presently holds it, with the only field marshal being Muhammad Ayub Khan, who was promoted to the rank reportedly in 1959. It comes with no additional powers and pay grade, but an honorary rank with a NATO's equivalent rank code OF-10. It is equivalent to fleet admiral, and while it is an ordinarily senior rank in Pakistan army, it can be refer as five-star general "standard rank scale" to distinguish it from other military insignias.

Although a five-star field marshal assumes no additional power, but it could be a difficult task for government to combat the unconstitutional political movement.

History
Since Pakistan became a sovereign state in 1947, the five-star field marshal rank has only ever been bestowed once, which was to the then General Muhammad Ayub Khan.

Appointment
The appointment of five-star 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 rules national assembly.

Statutory limits
Although five-star field marshal rank was only given once, there are no enough evidences that could establish statutory limits of a field marshal. However, the law of Pakistan restricts the use of unsanctioned power by a field marshal or general and can be constraint under a certain constitutional amendment.