ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The federal government on Tuesday promoted Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal following the success of the armed forces in Marka-e-Haq against Indian aggression.
Since independence, Pakistan has awarded the honorary five-star rank of Field Marshal only once, to General Muhammad Ayub Khan in 1959. General Ayub was conferred the rank by the presidential cabinet. The rank of field marshal is the highest rank of armies built on the patron of the British Army.
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The decision was taken during the federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif today.
In another important decision, the cabinet has also agreed to extend the tenure of Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu upon the completion of his current term, acknowledging his valuable service.
Following the cabinet decision, the premier met with President Asif Ali Zardari to brief him on the development and gain his confidence on the matter.
Gen Munir was elevated in recognition of his exceptional leadership and strategic acumen during the recent Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, the state-run PTV News reported.
During the cabinet meeting, PM Shehbaz congratulated the entire nation on the resounding success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, which effectively thwarted enemy ambitions and ensured the nation’s security.
Furthermore, the Cabinet decided that officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces, as well as civilians from various sectors who played key roles during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, will be honored with top state awards in recognition of their commendable services.
‘I dedicate this honor to entire nation’
In a statement after elevation to Field Marshal, the army chief dedicated this honor to “the entire nation, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, and especially to the civil and military martyrs and veterans.”
“I am grateful to Allah Almighty for receiving the honor of Field Marshal,” Field Marshal Asim Munir said in a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
He stated that the honour was the trust of the nation, for which millions of Asims have sacrificed themselves, and expressed “gratitude to the President, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet for the trust”.
“This is not an individual honor but an honor for the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the entire nation,” Field Marshal added.
