President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday jointly conferred the baton of field marshal upon Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir during a special investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad.
In recognition of his exemplary and exceptional leadership during Pakistan’s recent military clashes with India and the successful execution of “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos”, the federal government on Tuesday elevated General Munir to the rank of field marshal.
The decision was made during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The government approved the promotion of COAS Gen Munir to the rank of field marshal for ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy via the best strategy and courageous leadership during “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos”.
The rank of Field Marshal, which is a five-star title, is the highest position in the Pakistan Army, above the rank of a general. During a ceremony, the president said they had gathered to honour the armed forces and the heroes of the army, navy, and air force who protected the country’s sovereignty, land, and unity against unprovoked Indian attacks. He said the whole nation is proud of them.
The president also said it was a great honour for him to give the baton of field marshal to COAS Asim Munir, as a recognition of his outstanding service to Pakistan during difficult times, and because of the full trust in his leadership and character. He then officially promoted General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal and handed him the baton in his role as the supreme commander of the armed forces.
Speaking at the ceremony at the President House, Prime Minister Shehbaz said it was a moment of great national pride and historic importance for Pakistan. He said they salute the national heroes, Field Marshal Munir, CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
The prime minister said they had led the brave armed forces to a great victory over an enemy trapped in its own pride and arrogance. He added that the armed forces not only defended the borders but also pushed the fight into enemy territory, and very quickly forced the aggressor to retreat and learn a lesson.
