Air marshal (Pakistan)
{{short description|Second-highest rank of the Pakistan Air Force}}
{{Infobox military rank
| name = Air marshal
| image = Flag of Air Marshal (Pakistan).svg
| caption = Flag of an Air marshal in Pakistan Air Force
| image_size = 100px
| image2 = Pak-air-force-OF-8.svg
| caption2 = Three-stars, crossed swords and laurel device worn by a Pakistani air marshal
| image_size2 = 80px
| image3 =
| image_size3 =
| caption3 =
| country = {{flag|Pakistan}}
| service branch = {{air force|Pakistan}}
| abbreviation = AM, AIRMSHL
| rank = Three-star
| NATO rank =
| Non-NATO rank = OF-8
| formation =
| abolished =
| higher rank = Air chief marshal
| lower rank = Air vice-marshal
| equivalents = Vice Admiral
Lieutenant general{{cite web | title=PAKISTAN AIR FORCE | website=Official website | date=13 January 2010 | url=http://www.paf.gov.pk/ranks.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113183611/http://www.paf.gov.pk/ranks.html | archive-date=13 January 2010 | url-status=dead | access-date=3 April 2020}}
| history =
}}
Air marshal {{IPAc-en|ɛ|ə|r|ˈ|m|ɑː|r|ʃ|l}} (abbreviated as AM or AIRMSHL) is a commissioned three-star military rank in Pakistan Air Force with a NATO's equivalent rank code of OF-8. It ranks above two-star air vice marshal and below four-star air chief marshal, and while it is the second-highest rank of a military branch in uniformed services distinct from navy and army, it is equivalent to Vice admiral of navy and lieutenant general of army.{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/pakistan/rank-officer.htm|title=Officer Rank Insignia}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/ranks.html |title="Pakistan Navy Official Website" Equivalent ranks}}
Promotion to the rank of air marshal requires a solid record of military achievement by an air vice marshal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/494151-promotions-in-pakistan-air-force-01-air-officer-as-air-marshal-and-13-air-officers-as-air-vice-marshal|title=Promotions in Pakistan Air Force|website=www.thenews.com.pk}} However, the rank is also used for fighter pilots as a position advancement.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/07/03/three-paf-gdp-officers-promoted-from-vice-air-marshal-to-air-marshal-rank/|title=Three PAF officers promoted to Air Marshal rank - Pakistan Today|website=www.pakistantoday.com.pk}} A two-star military aviator with no history of violations and immorality are promoted to the three-star rank in air force.{{Cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/147945-promotions-in-paf-two-officers-promoted-as-air-marshal-four-as-air-vice-marshal|title=Promotions in PAF: Two officers promoted as Air Marshal, four as Air Vice Marshal|website=www.geo.tv}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1417817|title=Three PAF officers promoted|date=July 4, 2018|website=DAWN.COM}}
Appointment and promotion
Air marshal is directly appointed and promoted by the federal government in accordance with rules and regulations of air force ordinance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2020/01/09/pia-ceo-moves-apex-court-against-high-courts-verdict/|title=PIA CEO moves apex court against high court's verdict - Pakistan Today|website=www.pakistantoday.com.pk}} An officer with two-star rank (air vice marshal) is appointed to the rank of air marshal throughout the Pakistan air force history.{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2006997/1-paf-officer-promoted-air-marshal-13-others-air-vice-marshal-rank/|title=PAF officer promoted to Air Marshal, 13 others to Air Vice Marshal rank|date=July 5, 2019|website=The Express Tribune}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.radio.gov.pk/03-07-2018/3-paf-officers-promoted-to-rank-of-air-marshal|title=3 PAF officers promoted to rank of Air Marshal|website=www.radio.gov.pk}} It helds air chief marshal ranks upon next promotion.{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RzFpynRFTroC&dq=air+chief+marshal+promotion+pakistan&pg=RA7-PP7|title=Daily Report, Foreign Radio Broadcasts|first=United States Central Intelligence|last=Agency|date=April 3, 1972|via=Google Books}}
Statutory limits
Since it is the second-highest rank coupled with additional powers and benefits, the law of Pakistan restricts the use of unsanctioned power by a three-star marshal and can be constraint under a certain constitutional amendment.{{Cite web|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/562191/sc-tells-air-marshal-malik-to-choose-between-paf-and-pia/|title=SC tells Air Marshal Malik to choose between PAF and PIA|date=February 21, 2020|website=Daily Times}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
{{Military ranks by country}}
{{Pakistan Armed Forces}}