ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday conferred the baton of Field Marshal upon Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir during a special ceremony at the President House in Islamabad.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, governors of four provinces, chief ministers, diplomats, and top civil and military leaders attend the ceremony.
to confer the baton of Field Marshal upon the Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir NI(M)
at Aiwan-e-Sadr on 22-05-2025.
Proud moment
Addressing the ceremony, President Asif Ali Zardari said the purpose of today’s event was to pay tribute to the brave sons of the nation.
“The entire nation is proud of its valiant armed forces. Conferring the title of Field Marshal to Syed Asim Munir is a moment of great pride. I am delighted to have approved this honour,” he added.
Asim Munir’s resolve was exemplary: PM Shehbaz
In his address on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, “We acknowledge the services of our heroes.”
“The enemy was forced to back down due to our strong and effective response. Our military leadership achieved an extraordinary and historic victory against the enemy, shattering their arrogance,” PM Shehbaz said.
He added that Field Marshal Asim Munir’s passion and determination were exemplary during a critical time, referring to the recent clashes between Pakistan and India.
“We salute his services for the nation. The role of a Field Marshal is vital for the country’s security and sovereignty,” the premier added.
Marshal upon Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir NI(M) at Aiwan-e-Sadr on 22-05-2025.
Pakistan’s government on Tuesday approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal in recognition of Pakistan’s victory against India during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
Field Marshal is the highest rank in the Army, above the rank of General, and is held by a five-star senior-most Army officer.
This rank is awarded in recognition of exceptional and exemplary leadership and service.
Field Marshal dedicates the honour to entire nation
On receiving the recognition, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said, “I am grateful to Allah Almighty for being bestowed with the honour of Field Marshal.”
“I dedicate this honour to the entire nation, the Armed Forces of Pakistan—especially our civil and military martyrs and veterans,” he said.
“I am thankful to the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet for their trust. This honour is a responsibility entrusted by the nation—one for which millions of Asims have laid down their lives,” he added.
“This is not a personal accolade, but an honour for the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the entire nation,” Field Marshal Asim Munir stated.
Brief profile of Syed Asim Munir
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir joined the Pakistan Army from the Mangala Officers Training School programme and then became a commissioned officer in the Frontier Force Regiment.
He commanded the Northern Areas Force as a brigadier and was appointed the director-general of the Military Intelligence in early 2017. In 2018, he was appointed as the director-general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Following this, he was posted as Corps Commander Gujranwala for two years. He also served as the Quarter Master at the General Headquarters (GHQ).
In November 2022, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was appointed as the chief of the army staff.
He is the only army chief who headed both the MI and the ISI. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is also the first army chief who has been awarded the Sword of Honour.
Pakistan, India conflict
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 the Pakistan military media wing, 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.
