Islamabad, May 20, 2025: In a historic move, the federal government on Tuesday approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, the highest attainable rank in the Pakistan Army.
The decision was made during a meeting of the federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The promotion comes in recognition of General Munir’s exemplary leadership and strategic command during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, a successful military campaign launched in response to Indian aggression earlier this month.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz congratulated the nation on the operation’s success and lauded General Munir’s courageous and decisive leadership in neutralizing the enemy’s designs. “COAS General Asim Munir led the Pakistan Army with exceptional valor and strategic acumen, unifying the armed forces’ response in a comprehensive and coordinated manner,” the statement said.
The federal cabinet paid tribute to General Munir for his role in what was described as a defining moment in national defense, referred to as Marka-e-Haq (The Battle of Truth). “In recognition of his outstanding military leadership, bravery, and defense of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the cabinet unanimously approved the prime minister’s proposal to elevate General Munir to the rank of Field Marshal,” the statement added.
The Prime Minister had earlier consulted President Asif Ali Zardari regarding the decision, taking him into confidence before the formal announcement.
The cabinet also approved the extension of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu’s tenure following the completion of his current term, citing his valuable contributions during the recent conflict.
Additionally, the government announced high civil and military honors for officers, soldiers, martyrs (shuhada), veterans (ghazis), and civilians in recognition of their service during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
In his response, General Munir expressed deep gratitude for the honor. “I thank Allah Almighty for this elevation and dedicate it to the entire nation and the Armed Forces of Pakistan—especially our martyrs and ghazis,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted him as saying. “This is not merely a personal accolade, but a recognition of the sacrifices and dedication of millions of Pakistanis. I am humbled by the trust reposed in me by the president, the prime minister, and the federal cabinet.”
The military confrontation was triggered by a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) last month, which killed 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan without presenting any evidence, escalating tensions across the border.
In the early hours of May 6 and 7, India launched unprovoked strikes on multiple Pakistani cities. In response, Pakistan initiated Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos on May 10, launching targeted retaliatory strikes against key Indian military assets.
According to ISPR, Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, and destroyed dozens of drones. The confrontation lasted nearly 87 hours before a ceasefire was brokered by the United States.
During the hostilities, 53 Pakistanis lost their lives, including 13 armed forces personnel and 40 civilians.
The conferment of the Field Marshal title on General Asim Munir marks a rare and symbolic gesture of national recognition, as it represents not just a rank, but the nation’s gratitude for unwavering military leadership during a critical time.
