Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: The change of command ceremony will be held at the General Headquarters, Rawalpindi on Tuesday (today) where newly appointed army chief Gen Syed Asim Munir will assume charge of office.
Outgoing army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa will hand over the “baton of command” to the newly-appointed army chief Gen Asim Munir. This will mark the time-honoured tradition that symbolises the seamless transition of military leadership. Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa will retire after commanding the Pakistan Army as the chief of staff for six years.
In a dignified military ceremony, outgoing Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa will hand over the symbol of the Army Command, ‘Malacca Stick’, to honorary sword recipient Gen Syed Asim Munir.
The Malacca cane, also known as the command stick, is an army command stick that has been a part of the military tradition since the British era.
The cane is considered a symbol of command in the military. The tradition of giving the Malacca cane to a new army chief dates back to the British era.
The Malacca cane is part of the uniforms of important military officers in many countries, including Sri Lanka, India and the United Kingdom.
Outgoing Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was handed over the command stick as his successor by the former Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif on November 26, 2016.
The Malacca stick is given to officers of the rank of brigadier and above.
The Malacca stick is considered a symbol of the increase in the personality and power of the army chief. Still, the real significance lies in the heavy responsibilities of the army chief.
New army chief Gen Syed Asim Munir will participate in the change of command ceremony wearing the four-star general’s shoulder ranks and collar medal.
During the ceremony, it has been decided to suspend cellular phone service in certain areas of Rawalpindi from 8 am to 4pm.
