In a move that has drawn widespread ridicule, Pakistan army chief gen Asim Munir reportedly awarded himself the Hilal-e-Jurat, the country’s second-highest military honour, following the Pakistan army’s crushing defeat during Operation Sindoor.The awards were part of Pakistan’s Independence Day honours on Thursday, conferred by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Dozens of military and civilian officials received accolades for their roles in the four-day conflict with India. Among others, air chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu also received the Hilal-e-Jurat, naval chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, and several fighter pilots the Sitara-e-Jurat. Civilian leaders, including Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, defence minister Khawaja Asif, and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, were also honoured.Munir’s self-award sparks social media frenzyThe revelation of Munir’s self-conferred medal has triggered a torrent of memes, jokes, and criticism online. Social media users questioned the Army Chief’s credibility, mocked the military’s performance, and unleashed sharp humor.One of the user said, “Wow, Asim Munir’s self-awarded Hilal-e-Jurat is the ultimate flex! Who needs validation from others when you can just give it to yourself?”“Not sure what’s more impressive, the fact he awarded himself or that he found a mirror in the midst of a losing battle,” another user quipped.While another internet user said, “Asim Munir’s Hilal-e-Jurat is like a participation trophy for showing up to the war and losing spectacularly!”“What’s next? A PhD in ‘How to Get Crushed by the Indian Army’?” questioned another.“The Pakistani Army’s version of a ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card,” another user said.The May conflict, triggered by Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. Pakistan retaliated over three days before a ceasefire was reached.