The Prime Minister praised General Munir’s exceptional military leadership, bravery, and strategic command for safeguarding the homeland and upholding national integrity (Catchline)
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the prestigious rank of Field Marshal, marking only the second time in Pakistan’s history that this rank has been awarded. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the nation and the military leadership for what he called a “resounding success” in the recent conflict with India.
The decision was taken during a high-level cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, where ministers hailed Operation Bunyan Mursoos as a historic victory that thwarted Indian aggression and safeguarded Pakistan’s sovereignty.
In his remarks, PM Shehbaz Sharif said, “I extend heartfelt congratulations to the entire Pakistani nation on the brilliant success of Operation Bunyan Mursoos and the failure of enemy designs.” The cabinet recalled the unprovoked Indian assault on the night of 6–7 May 2025, targeting civilian areas including women and children, which was condemned as a blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Under General Munir’s leadership, the armed forces responded with exemplary courage, coordination and strategic command. The Prime Minister lauded General Munir for his “exceptional military leadership, bravery and strategic command,” which ensured the defence of the homeland and national integrity.
Alongside the promotion, the cabinet approved the extension of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu’s service beyond retirement and announced national awards for officers, soldiers, veterans, martyrs and civilians involved in the operation.
President Asif Ali Zardari endorsed the promotion during a meeting with the Prime Minister at Aiwan-e-Sadr, praising General Munir’s leadership and the armed forces’ professionalism in defending the nation. “General Munir rightly deserves this historic elevation to Field Marshal,” the President said.
Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed deep gratitude, dedicating the honor to the nation, the armed forces and especially the martyrs and veterans. “This is not a personal achievement but a tribute to the armed forces and the people of Pakistan,” he said in an official ISPR statement.
Born in Rawalpindi in 1968, General Munir hails from a Punjabi family with roots in Jalandhar, India. His father, Syed Sarwar Munir, was a school principal and mosque imam in Rawalpindi. Munir received early religious education and was also a skilled local fast bowler in cricket. He became the 11th Chief of Army Staff in November 2022, the most senior lieutenant general at the time of his appointment. Munir is the only army chief in Pakistan’s history to have led both Military Intelligence and ISI.
