Imran Khan said Pakistan was facing external threats, "a surge in terrorism, and an economic crisis. We must unite. I have never asked for anything for myself before, nor will I now".

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.

Pakistan’s prime minister has promoted the country’s powerful army chief, Gen. Asim Munir, to the rank of field marshal, making him only the second military officer in Pakistan’s history to hold the title.