Islamabad, May 20, 2025: In a landmark decision, the federal government has promoted Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, the highest honorary military title in Pakistan. The elevation comes in recognition of his exemplary leadership during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, launched in response to India’s unprovoked military aggression earlier this month.
The announcement was made following a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office declared: “The Government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir (Nishan-i-Imtiaz Military) to the rank of Field Marshal for ensuring national security and defeating the enemy through high-level strategy and courageous leadership during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.”
The title of Field Marshal is the most prestigious military rank in Pakistan — typically represented by five stars, and superior to that of a General. It is not a position that involves operational command, but rather a symbolic recognition of exceptional service, strategic brilliance, and significant contributions to national defense.
While the rank does not carry constitutional authority or command responsibilities, it is awarded rarely and only in extraordinary circumstances. General Munir becomes only the second person in Pakistan’s history to be conferred this honor, after Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan — who was promoted in 1959 and later served as President.
Tensions escalated between Pakistan and India after a deadly attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 tourists lost their lives. India blamed Pakistan without presenting any evidence.
On the nights of May 6 and 7, India launched unprovoked military strikes on several Pakistani cities, prompting a forceful and coordinated response. Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos on May 10, conducting precise and proportionate retaliatory strikes on key Indian military assets across multiple regions.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, and destroyed dozens of drones during the operation. The conflict lasted around 87 hours before the United States brokered a ceasefire on May 10.
The confrontation claimed 53 Pakistani lives, including 13 military personnel and 40 civilians, according to ISPR.
General Syed Asim Munir’s military career is distinguished by a series of high-profile roles and accomplishments. He joined the Pakistan Army via the Mangla Officers Training School and was commissioned into the Frontier Force Regiment. He commanded the Northern Areas Force as a brigadier. In 2017, he became the Director-General of Military Intelligence (MI), followed by his appointment as Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in 2018 — making him the only army chief in Pakistan’s history to head both MI and ISI. He also served as Corps Commander Gujranwala and later as Quarter Master General at GHQ. In November 2022, he was appointed as Chief of Army Staff. Gen Munir is also the first army chief to receive the prestigious Sword of Honour at the Pakistan Military Academy.
