Rawalpindi, May 21, 2025: A special Guard of Honour ceremony was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Wednesday to mark the elevation of General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal. The ceremony also served as a solemn tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs who laid down their lives in defence of the nation.
Held at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada within GHQ, the event witnessed Field Marshal Munir laying a floral wreath and offering Fateha to honour the fallen heroes. The occasion underscored the military’s deep respect for the sacrifices of its personnel, especially in light of recent events.
Field Marshal Munir’s promotion, announced by the federal government earlier this week, comes in recognition of his exemplary leadership during Pakistan’s recent military engagement with India and the successful execution of Operation Bunyad-e-Amn Marsoos.
“The Chief of Army Staff led the Pakistan Army with outstanding courage and strategic foresight, coordinating a unified military response during a critical time,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in an official statement.
In his remarks, Field Marshal Munir dedicated the honour to the people of Pakistan and praised the unwavering spirit of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and civilian defenders. He paid special homage to the martyrs, calling them the “steel wall” that stood firm against Indian aggression.
“This honour belongs to the entire Pakistani nation and the valiant men and women of our armed forces — especially the martyrs — who stood like a wall of steel against India’s unprovoked, cowardly, and unlawful aggression,” said Field Marshal Munir.
The recent military escalation between Pakistan and India followed a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) last month, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan without presenting evidence, leading to cross-border hostilities.
In the nights of May 6 and 7, India launched unprovoked strikes on multiple Pakistani cities, resulting in 53 casualties — including 13 military personnel and 40 civilians. Pakistan’s response came swiftly with the launch of Operation Bunyad-e-Amn Marsoos on May 10, during which Pakistan successfully targeted multiple Indian military installations, downed six fighter jets — including three Rafales — and intercepted dozens of drones.
The conflict ended after 87 hours of intense military engagement, following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on May 10.
The ceremony at GHQ served not only to honour Field Marshal Munir’s historic promotion but also to reaffirm the armed forces’ commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and honouring the sacrifices of those who serve.
