The federal government on Tuesday officially promoted Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to the esteemed rank of Field Marshal.
This significant decision was made during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The government approved COAS Gen Munir’s promotion to Field Marshal in recognition of his pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s security and decisively defeating the enemy through superior strategy and courageous leadership during “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.”
During the cabinet session, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended congratulations to the entire Pakistani nation on the successful execution of “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos” and the thwarting of the enemy’s malicious intentions, as stated in a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The statement further elaborated, “COAS Gen Munir led the Pakistan Army with exemplary courage and unwavering determination, meticulously coordinating the war strategy and the comprehensive efforts of the armed forces.”
The cabinet meeting paid a heartfelt tribute to the Army Chief for his exceptional strategic acumen, which was instrumental in securing Pakistan’s triumph in “Marka-e-Haq” (Battle of Truth).
“In recognition of his brilliant military leadership, courage, and bravery, which ensured Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and provided a courageous defense against the enemy, the cabinet approved the prime minister’s proposal to elevate General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal,” the statement affirmed.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had consulted with President Asif Ali Zardari, taking him into confidence regarding this crucial decision.
The cabinet also unanimously agreed to retain Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu in his position beyond the expiry of his current term.
Additionally, the federal cabinet resolved to award high government honors to officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces, Ghazis (victorious warriors), martyrs, and civilians from various fields, in acknowledgment of their invaluable services rendered during “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.”
The rank of Field Marshal represents the pinnacle of military command in the Pakistan Army, holding precedence over the rank of a General.
It is a five-star designation bestowed in recognition of truly extraordinary and exemplary military leadership.
In a statement, General Munir expressed his profound gratitude to Allah Almighty for receiving the honor of Field Marshal.
“I dedicate this honor to the entire nation, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, especially the civil and military Shuhda [martyrs] and Ghazis,” the ISPR quoted the Army Chief as saying.
He also extended his appreciation to the President, Prime Minister, and the cabinet for reposing their trust in him.
“This honor signifies the nation’s trust, for which millions of ‘Asims’ have made the ultimate sacrifice,” the newly appointed Field Marshal added.
The Army Chief further emphasized: “This is not an individual honor but an honor for the Pakistani Armed Forces and the entire nation.”
It is important to note that India launched unprovoked attacks on multiple Pakistani cities during the night of May 6 and 7.
In response, the armed forces of Pakistan initiated a large-scale retaliatory military action, designated as “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” targeting several Indian military objectives across various regions on May 10.
Pakistan successfully downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale, and dozens of drones. After at least 87 hours, the conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations concluded on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United States.
According to the ISPR, a total of 53 individuals, comprising 13 personnel of the armed forces and 40 civilians, were martyred in Indian strikes during the recent military confrontation.
The military escalation between the two countries was sparked by an attack in IIOJK last month that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists, with India accusing Pakistan of the attack without providing concrete evidence.
