COAS promoted to rank of field marshal
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Tuesday promoted Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal, recognising his bravery and leadership during a historic military victory over arch-rival India.
The federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved the elevation of Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir in recognition of his leadership during the high-stakes Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and the fierce military showdown known as Marka-e-Haq.
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office praised Gen Munir's exemplary courage and determination, crediting him with orchestrating a unified strategy across the armed forces that led to a historic victory for the country.
Operation 'Bunyan ul Marsoos': Pakistan destroys Udhampur airbase, Pathankot airfield in India, state media reports
'The Government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of Gen Syed Asim Munir (Nishan-e-Imtiaz Military) to the rank of field marshal for ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy with high strategy and courageous leadership.'
COAS Munir now becomes only the second person in the country's history to wear the ceremonial five-star insignia – the last being Field Marshal Ayub Khan in 1965. The title, modelled after the British military tradition, symbolises extraordinary wartime command.
The cabinet's decision comes shortly after the culmination of a high-intensity conflict with India, the most serious since the 1999 Kargil war.
The federal hailed the outcome of 'Marka-e-Haq' as a defining moment for Pakistan's military strategy and national defence.
Gen Munir, who took command of the Pakistan Army in November 2022, accepted the honour with a note of humility and gratitude.
In a statement released by the military's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Gen Munir said the title was a tribute not to him individually but to the entire nation and the armed forces. 'I dedicate this honour to the people of Pakistan, our brave armed forces, and especially to our civil and military martyrs and veterans.'
'This is the trust of the nation, for which millions of Asims have sacrificed. This is not an individual honour but a recognition of collective courage.'
The statement from the Prime Minister's Office also confirmed that Prime Minister Sharif had consulted President Asif Ali Zardari before the announcement.
However, it remained unclear whether the promotion would affect Gen Munir's term of service or extend his tenure beyond the usual retirement timeline.
In a separate decision, the cabinet agreed to retain Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu beyond the end of his current term – though no duration for the extension was provided.
In a gesture of national recognition, the cabinet announced that military officers, soldiers, war veterans, martyrs, and civilians who played pivotal roles during the recent operation would be awarded state honours.
Prime Minister Sharif also congratulated Gen Munir on his promotion to field marshal, praising his leadership during the Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
He highlighted Gen Munir's courage and professional skills in securing success in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, which thwarted enemy plans.
PM Sharif called the promotion a recognition of Munir's invaluable service in defending the nation and restoring regional power balance.
He also commended every soldier who bravely responded to enemy aggression. 'I, along with the nation, take immense pride in Gen Munir and our armed forces' courage and sacrifice,' he added.
Field marshal appointments in Pakistan are rare and largely ceremonial, reflecting both exceptional command in wartime and national symbolic value.
General Munir's promotion revives a rank long absent from the military hierarchy and cements his role in a pivotal chapter of Pakistan's defence history.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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