General Asim Munir Promoted to Field Marshal After Historic Military Success
In a landmark move, Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the prestigious rank of Field Marshal — the highest possible rank in the Pakistan Army. The decision, announced on Tuesday, comes in recognition of General Munir’s exceptional leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and the recent Marka-i-Haq, the military confrontation with India.
Historic Promotion
General Munir becomes only the second individual in Pakistan’s history to receive this five-star ceremonial rank. The first was General Mohammad Ayub Khan, elevated to Field Marshal in 1959.
According to an official notification from the Ministry of Defence, the promotion has been made under Rule 199-A of the Pakistan Army Regulations (Rules), 1998, and is effective immediately.
General Asim Munir Promoted to Field Marshal After Historic Military Success
Unprecedented Military Leadership
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) lauded General Munir for his “unparalleled leadership, high strategy, and courageous command” during Marka-i-Haq — a recent escalation involving India that began following a deadly attack in Pahalgam. The PMO stated that under General Munir’s leadership, Pakistan achieved a “historic victory”, successfully defending its sovereignty and ensuring the country’s territorial integrity.
“General Syed Asim Munir led the Pakistan Army with exemplary courage and unified the armed forces under a comprehensive war strategy,” the statement said.
The promotion was officially endorsed during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who later met with President Asif Ali Zardari to take him into confidence. Both leaders expressed their full support and admiration for General Munir’s role in the successful defense campaign.
Related: Profile: Gen Asim Munir, Pakistan’s new army chief
Conflict and Ceasefire|<
Tensions between India and Pakistan reached a boiling point after the Pahalgam attack, prompting Indian air strikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir on the night of May 6-7. In response, Pakistan retaliated by downing five Indian fighter jets and carrying out counterstrikes. The situation escalated until U.S. diplomatic intervention on May 10 led to a ceasefire agreement. While the ceasefire has no official expiry date, both sides have remained on alert, with Pakistan warning against further aggression.
Nationwide Recognition
General Munir expressed deep gratitude for the promotion, dedicating the honour to the “entire nation, the armed forces, and the martyrs and veterans of Pakistan.” He emphasized that the rank of Field Marshal was not a personal achievement but a recognition of the collective sacrifices made by countless soldiers.
“This is an honour not for an individual, but for millions of Asims who have laid down their lives for the nation,” he said in a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Air Chief’s Tenure Extended
In addition to General Munir’s promotion, the cabinet also announced that Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu will continue to serve beyond the end of his current term. The exact duration of his extension has not been disclosed.
President Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi congratulated both military leaders, praising General Munir’s “hard work, talent, and professional excellence.”
National Awards Announced
The federal cabinet also approved the awarding of high-level government honours to officers, soldiers, war veterans, martyrs, and civilians who contributed during the conflict. The gesture is part of the broader recognition of the sacrifices made in defending Pakistan’s sovereignty.
