RAWALPINDI (Kashmir English): For only the second time in Pakistan’s history, the five-star insignia of the highest military rank — Field Marshal — has been conferred upon the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir.
Earlier, the honorary rank of field marshal was awarded to General Muhammad Ayub Khan in 1959. Field Marshal Ayub was conferred the rank by the presidential cabinet.
The army chief, who also holds the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), was seen decorated with the highest military insignia during a ceremony earlier today at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, where he was given a special Guard of Honor.
The first official image of Field Marshal Asim Munir bearing the five-star rank has also emerged, marking a historic moment in Pakistan’s military history. He can be seen wearing the Field Marshal insignia on his shoulders, holding a ceremonial baton.
The federal government on Tuesday decided to elevate the rank of General Asim Munir to field marshal in recognition of his outstanding strategic leadership in Operation Bunyanun Marsus, his role in ensuring national security, and his swift and decisive response to Indian military aggression.
As per details, General Munir was set to receive the field marshal badges at a formal ceremony scheduled today at 4:30 PM at the President House in Islamabad. However, the event was postponed at the request of the Army Chief himself due to a tragic terrorist attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan, which claimed the lives of several children.
What’s a Field Marshal?
The rank of Field Marshal, rarely awarded, is the five-star military rank and the highest in the Pakistan Army, sitting above the rank of four-star General. It is the highest rank of armies built on the patron of the British Army.
The rank of Field Marshal is bestowed upon military officials for outstanding and top-tier military leadership. It is equivalent to Fleet Admiral in the Pakistan Navy and Marshal in the Pakistan Air Force.
It comes with no additional powers or pay grade, but an honorary rank, and there’s no specific term length for a Field Marshal rank; it’s a lifelong position.
Since Pakistan’s independence, the country’s constitution has laid down a formal structure for the armed forces, including ranks such as Chief of Army Staff, General, Lieutenant General, Brigadier, and Major. However, Field Marshal stands above all, representing a five-star general and the most senior figure in the military hierarchy.
