ISLAMABAD, May 21 (Alliance News): The federal government on Tuesday promoted Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the prestigious rank of Field Marshal, recognizing his outstanding leadership during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos which safeguarded Pakistan’s territorial integrity against Indian aggression.
The decision was approved during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The cabinet lauded General Munir’s strategic brilliance and courageous command during the recent military confrontation with India, declaring the operation a defining victory for Pakistan.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office credited Gen Munir with “exemplary courage and determination” in coordinating the Pakistan Army’s war efforts, calling his strategy “comprehensive and historic.”
The cabinet hailed the success of Marka-e-Haq and commended the COAS for foiling the enemy’s nefarious designs.
The prime minister also met President Asif Ali Zardari before the cabinet session to take him into confidence regarding the decision.
Field Marshal is the highest rank in the Pakistan Army and has only been conferred in the past to exceptional military leaders.
In his response, Gen Asim Munir expressed deep gratitude, stating: “I dedicate this honour to the nation, the Armed Forces, and especially to the martyrs and Ghazis. This is not an individual honour but for the entire Pakistani nation.”
The cabinet also approved the continuation of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu’s service beyond his current term.
It was further decided that officers, soldiers, martyrs, Ghazis, and civilians who rendered valuable services during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos will be conferred high civilian and military honours.
The confrontation erupted following unprovoked Indian strikes on multiple Pakistani cities between May 6 and 7, in response to a tragic attack in IIOJK, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan without evidence.
Pakistan retaliated decisively on May 10, destroying key Indian military assets, including six fighter jets — three of them Rafales — and several drones. The conflict ended after 87 hours with a US-brokered ceasefire.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that 53 Pakistanis, including 13 armed forces personnel and 40 civilians, were martyred during the Indian strikes.
