Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Wednesday that the decision to promote Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, who led the Pakistani armed forces during the recent conflict with India, to the rank of field marshal was entirely his own.
In recognition of his exceptional leadership during Pakistan’s recent military confrontations with India and the successful execution of “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” the federal government elevated General Munir to the rank of field marshal.
A Special Guard of Honour ceremony was also held today at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to commemorate Field Marshal Munir following his promotion.
During a discussion with senior journalists, the Prime Minister affirmed that he does consult his elder brother and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif on such pivotal decisions.
Discussions with India
PM Shehbaz emphasized that war invariably results in one party’s victory and the other’s defeat, and therefore, cannot offer a permanent resolution. “Only enduring peace can ensure a secure future.”
Regarding potential talks between Islamabad and New Delhi, the premier stated that any discussions concerning terrorism would be conducted by the national security advisers of both nations.
He clarified that India has thus far not agreed to engage in talks mediated by a third country. “During the war, Israel extensively supported India,” he claimed, adding that Israeli weaponry was employed by Indian forces in Srinagar and other locations.
The Prime Minister also articulated that Pakistan would raise four crucial points in any future dialogue with India: Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism. He suggested that holding talks in a third country could be a beneficial approach.
Pakistan-India Standoff
In response to India’s unprovoked attacks on multiple Pakistani cities during the night of May 6 and 7, the armed forces launched a large-scale retaliatory military action, named “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 aircraft, and dozens of drones. After a period of at least 87 hours, the conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations concluded on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.
A total of 53 individuals, comprising 13 armed forces personnel and 40 civilians, lost their lives in Indian strikes during the recent military confrontation.
The military standoff between the two countries was initiated by an attack in IIOJK the previous month that resulted in 26 tourist fatalities, with India blaming Pakistan for the assault without providing any substantive evidence.
