COAS Gen Asim Munir promoted to rank of field marshal

• Cabinet approves PM’s proposal to elevate Gen Munir's rank.
• Says COAS led army with exemplary courage during war.
• PM takes president into confidence over this decision.

In recognition of his exemplary exceptional leadership during Pakistan’s recent military clashes with India and the successful execution of “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos”, the federal government on Tuesday elevated Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal.

The decision was made during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The government approved the promotion of COAS Gen Munir to the rank of field marshal for ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy via best strategy and courageous leadership during “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos”.

During the cabinet meeting, PM Shehbaz congratulated the entire Pakistani nation on the success of “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos” and foiling of the enemy’s nefarious designs, read a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

“COAS Gen Munir led the Pakistan Army with exemplary courage and determination and coordinated the war strategy and efforts of the armed forces in a comprehensive manner,” it added.

The cabinet meeting paid tribute to the army chief for his exceptional strategy that led Pakistan to success in Marka-e-Haq.

“In recognition of his brilliant military leadership, courage, and bravery, ensuring Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and courageous defense against the enemy, the cabinet approved the prime minister’s proposal to promote General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal,” read the statement.

Earlier, PM Shehbaz met President Asif Ali Zardari and took him into confidence regarding the decision

The cabinet also unanimously decided to continue the services of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu after his term in office ends.

The federal cabinet also decided that officers and soldiers of Pakistan Armed Forces, ghazis, martyrs, and civilians from different fields will be awarded high government awards in recognition of their valuable services during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.

The rank of Field Marshal is the highest position in the Pakistan Army, placed above the rank of a general.

It is a five-star designation conferred in recognition of extraordinary and exemplary military leadership.

In a statement, the army chief thanked Allah Almighty for receiving the honour of field marshal.

“I dedicate this honour to the entire nation, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, especially the civil and military Shuhda [martyrs] and Ghaziyo,” the ISPR quoted the army chief as saying.

He also expressed gratitude to the president, prime minister and cabinet for reposing trust in him.

“This honour is the trust of the nation for which millions of Asims have sacrificed themselves,” the field marshal added.

The army chief added: “This is not an individual honour but an honour for the Pakistani Armed Forces and the entire nation.”

It is pertinent to mention here that India launched unprovoked attacks on multiple Pakistani cities during the night of May 6 and 7.

In response, the armed forces of Pakistan launched a large-scale retaliatory military action, named "Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos", and targeted several Indian military targets across multiple regions on May 10.

Pakistan downed its six fighter jets, including three Rafale, and dozens of drones. After at least 87 hours, the war between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.

According to ISPR, a total of 53 individuals, including 13 personnel of the armed forces and 40 civilians, were martyred in Indian strikes during the recent military confrontation.

The military confrontation between the two countries was triggered by last month’s attack in IIOJK that left 26 tourists dead, with India blaming Pakistan for the attack without offering any evidence.

Congratulations pour in

In their separate statements, President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, federal ministers, the chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, and services chiefs extended their congratulations to the army chief on his promotion to the rank of field marshal.

In a statement issued by the President House, President Zardari lauded Field Marshal Munir for his role in giving a strong response to unprovoked Indian aggression and thwarting the enemy’s malicious intentions.

“The rank of field marshal is a recognition of your services in defense of the homeland,” the president said.

He highlighted that Field Marshal Munir and the Pakistan Armed Forces deserved appreciation for their effective response to Indian attacks. Under the leadership of the field marshal, the Pakistan Armed Forces crushed the enemy’s arrogance with an excellent strategic response to Indian aggression, the president remarked.

The entire nation, he said, acknowledged his contributions in protecting national security and sovereignty, and in the fight against terrorism.

Congratulating Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu on the extension of his term, the president said that due to the successful military strategy of the air chief, Pakistan gave a crushing response to the enemy.

Under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, the PAF decisively defeated the Indian Air Force, the president added.

For his part, PM Shehbaz extended his heartfelt congratulations to the COAS on his promotion to the rank of field marshal.

During the ‘Battle of Truth’, the army chief foiled the enemy’s nefarious designs through his leadership and professional capabilities in Operation Bunyan-um-Marsous, the prime minister added.

He highlighted that the field marshal had been blessed by Allah Almighty with exceptional qualities and his courage and wisdom played a key role in the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsous.

“The army chief has been promoted to the rank of field marshal in recognition of his invaluable services in the defense of the homeland and for taking decisive steps to restore the balance of power in the region through Operation Bunyan-um-Marsous,” the premier remarked.

He said that from the army chief to every soldier who bravely responded to enemy aggression on the borders during the “Battle of Truth”, all rendered courageous services in defense of the nation.

“I, along with the entire nation, take immense pride in army chief Syed Asim Munir, the brave warriors and martyrs of our armed forces under his command, and their families,” he added.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza extended his heartiest congratulations and felicitations to Field Marshal Munir, on his well-deserved promotion to the prestigious rank.

The CJCSC lauded the COAS' exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and distinguished services to the nation especially during the recent successfully executed operation “Bunyan-um-Marsoos”.