The federal cabinet on Tuesday elevated Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal in recognition of his exemplary and exceptional leadership during Pakistan’s recent military clashes with India and the successful execution of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, P.M. Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the entire nation on the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and for foiling the enemy’s nefarious designs. “COAS Gen. Munir led the Pakistan Army with exemplary courage and determination and coordinated the war strategy and efforts of the armed forces in a comprehensive manner,” it said, adding the meeting paid tribute to the Army chief for the exceptional strategy that led Pakistan to success in Marka-e-Haq.
“In recognition of his brilliant military leadership, courage, and bravery, ensuring Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and courageous defense against the enemy, the cabinet approved the prime minister’s proposal to promote General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal,” it said. The prime minister had earlier met President Asif Ali Zardari and took him into confidence regarding the decision.
Additionally, the cabinet unanimously granted an extension in tenure to Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu after his term in office ends. It further decided that officers and soldiers of the armed forces, ghazis, martyrs, and civilians from different fields would receive government awards in recognition of their valuable services during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
Honor for Nation
Field Marshal is the highest rank in the Pakistan Army, a five-star designation conferred in recognition of extraordinary and exemplary military leadership.
In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Asim Munir thanked Allah for the honor. “I dedicate this honor to the entire nation, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, especially the civil and military shuhda (martyrs) and Ghaziyo,” he said, while also expressing gratitude to the president, prime minister and cabinet for reposing trust in him.
“This honor is the trust of the nation for which millions of Asims have sacrificed themselves,” he said. “This is not an individual honor but an honor for the Pakistani Armed Forces and the entire nation,” he added.
Congratulations for Field Marshal Munir
In separate statements, the president, prime minister, federal ministers, the chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, and services chiefs congratulated the Army chief on his promotion.
Lauding Field Marshal Munir for his role in giving a strong response to unprovoked Indian aggression and thwarting the enemy’s malicious intentions, Zardari said the promotion was recognition of his services in defense of the homeland.
He said Field Marshal Munir and the Pakistan Armed Forces deserved appreciation for their effective response to the Indian attacks. Under the leadership of the field marshal, the armed forces crushed the enemy’s arrogance with an excellent strategic response to Indian aggression, he added.
Zardari emphasized that the entire nation acknowledged the field marshal’s contributions in protecting national security and sovereignty, and in the fight against terrorism.
The president also congratulated Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu on the extension of his tenure, noting his successful military strategy had led to Pakistan giving a crushing response to the enemy.
The prime minister, similarly, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Army chief on his promotion. He noted the field marshal had foiled the enemy’s nefarious designs through his leadership and professional capabilities in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. He said Allah had blessed the field marshal with exceptional qualities and his courage and wisdom played a key role in the success of the operation.
“The Army chief has been promoted to the rank of field marshal in recognition of his invaluable services in the defense of the homeland and for taking decisive steps to restore the balance of power in the region through Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” he added.
“I, along with the entire nation, take immense pride in Army chief Syed Asim Munir, the brave warriors and martyrs of our armed forces under his command, and their families,” he said.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, in a statement, extended his heartiest congratulations and felicitations to Field Marshal Munir on his well-deserved promotion to the prestigious rank.
He lauded the Army chief’s exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and distinguished services to the nation, especially during the successfully executed Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
Indian aggression
On the night of May 6/7, India launched unprovoked attacks on multiple Pakistani cities, targeting civilian infrastructure. The armed forces of Pakistan retaliated with Operation Bunyan um Marsoos, targeting several Indian military targets across multiple regions on May 10.
During the clash, Pakistan downed its six Indian fighter jets and dozens of drones. The conflict concluded on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.
According to the ISPR, India martyred 53 individuals, including 13 personnel of the armed forces and 40 civilians.