ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal 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.
During the cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister congratulated the entire nation on what he described as the successful outcome of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, calling it a decisive moment in the “Battle of Truth,” 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,” the statement added.
PM Shehbaz praised the Pakistan Armed Forces for defeating enemy intentions with superior strategy and resolute leadership.
The cabinet observed that on the night of 6 and 7 May 2025, India launched an unprovoked and unjustified war on Pakistan. Civilian areas, including women and children, were reportedly targeted.
The cabinet condemned this act, calling it a blatant attempt to violate Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Federal cabinet lauds Asim Munir’s leadership
The Federal Cabinet observed that due to General Munir’s exceptional leadership, Pakistan achieved historic success in the Battle for Truth. He effectively synchronised the military strategy and efforts of the armed forces.
General Munir led the Pakistan Army with exceptional courage and clarity. His coordination of military strategy and operational efforts across all branches of the armed forces played a key role in Pakistan’s success in the conflict, the cabinet was told.
“In recognition of his brilliant military leadership, courage, and bravery, ensuring Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and courageous defence 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.
The Prime Minister told the cabinet that he had met with President Asif Ali Zardari and taken him into confidence regarding this decision.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and services chiefs have extended their congratulations to General Syed Asim Munir on his promotion to the rank of Field Marshal.
Field Marshal Asim Munir 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.
Federal cabinet extends service of Air Chief Marshal
Furthermore, the cabinet decided to extend the service tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu after his term in office ends, acknowledging his contributions during the conflict.
The government further announced that officers, soldiers, veterans, martyrs, and civilians from various fields would be conferred with national honours for their distinguished services during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
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 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.
