COAS Gen Asim promoted to rank of field marshal

ISLAMABAD/ MUZAFFARABAD: The federal government on Tuesday elevated General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, recognizing his exemplary leadership and pivotal role in the successful Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, particularly the strategic victory of Marka-e-Haq.

“The federal cabinet has approved the promotion of Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal in recognition of his courageous leadership, exceptional strategy, ensuring sovereignty of Pakistan and brave defence of the country,” the PM media office said in a statement on Tuesday. The cabinet also decided to continue the services of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu after his term in office ends.

Earlier, the prime minister met President Asif Ali Zardari and took him into confidence regarding the decision, the PM media office said.

The meeting of the federal cabinet with prime minister in the chair noted that General Syed Asim Munir led the Pakistan Army with unprecedented bravery and resolve and exceptionally coordinated war strategy and efforts of the armed forces in Marka-e-Haq. “It was due to unprecedented leadership of General Asim Munir that Pakistan achieved victory in Marka-e-Haq,” the federal cabinet observed. The federal cabinet also decided that officers and soldiers of Pakistan Armed Forces, ghazis, martyrs, and civilians from different fields will be awarded high government awards in recognition of their valuable services during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.

The federal cabinet noted that Pakistan recently passed through a difficult period. India imposed an unprovoked war on Pakistan and targeted civilian population including innocent citizens, children and women. The federal cabinet also observed that the adversary attempted to breach Pakistan’s integrity and sovereignty.

The cabinet also unanimously decided to continue the services of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu after his term in office ends. The five years tenure of PAF chief will end on March 19, 2026. Air Chief Marshal Babar Sidhu was appointed as PAF chief on March 19, 2021, later he was given one year extension. The government extended the tenures of Army Chief, Naval Chief and PAF Chief through Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act, 2024; Pakistan Navy Act (Amendment) Act, 2024 and Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Act, 2024 respectively in November, last year. Consequently, the tenure of incumbent PAF Chief was also extended to five years till March 19, 2026. Federal Law Minister Senator Azam Nazir Tarar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal were also present in the meeting.

Field Marshal is the senior most military rank and is considered as five-star rank in Pakistan and many other countries. Since the independence of Pakistan, for the first time General Ayub Khan was elevated to the rank of five-star military officer as Field Marshal after the 1965 war. At that time, he himself was the President of Pakistan along with holding the rank of Commander-in-Chief.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir expressed his gratitude to Almighty Allah for being honoured with the rank of Field Marshal. He said that he dedicates this honour to the entire nation, the Pakistan Armed Forces and especially to the civilian and military martyrs and veterans. “This honour is a trust of the nation, and for this cause, millions of Asim Munirs are ready to sacrifice,” the Field Marshal said emphasizing that it was not an individual honour but an honour for the armed forces and the whole nation, the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement.

During the ‘Battle of Truth’, the army chief foiled the enemy’s nefarious designs through his leadership and professional capabilities in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, the prime minister said in a statement issued by the PM House. He highlighted that Syed Asim Munir had been blessed by Allah Almighty with exceptional qualities and his courage and wisdom played a key role in the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. “The army chief has been promoted to the rank of Field Marshal in recognition of his invaluable services in the defence of the homeland and for taking decisive steps to restore the balance of power in the region through Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” the prime minister said. He said that from the army chief to every soldier who bravely responded to enemy aggression on the borders during the Battle of Truth, all rendered courageous services in defence of the nation.

Federal ministers, Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff have also greeted Asim Munir for being decorated with Field Marshal’s rank. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), extended his heartiest congratulations and felicitations to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on his well-deserved promotion to the prestigious rank of Field Marshal. The CJCSC lauded the COAS’ exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and distinguished services to the nation, especially during the recent successfully executed operations Marka e Haq and Bunyanum Marsoos, the ISPR in statement said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif called on President Asif Ali Zardari and took him into confidence regarding the decision to promote General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.

According to an announcement of the President House, during the meeting, the leadership of the armed forces and Pakistan military was hailed for their effective response to Indian attacks. President Zardari said that under the leadership of General Syed Asim Munir, the armed forces successfully defended the motherland. The president said General Munir deserves to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal for giving a strong response to Indian aggression, successfully defending the country, and demonstrating excellent military strategy.

In the meanwhile, President Zardari felicitated Gen Munir on his promotion to the rank of Field Marshal. In a statement issued by the President House, the president lauded Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his role in giving a strong response to unprovoked Indian aggression and thwarting the enemy’s malicious intentions. “The rank of Field Marshal is a recognition of your services in defence of the homeland,” he said. He highlighted that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Pakistan Armed Forces deserve appreciation for their effective response to Indian attacks. The president said that under the leadership of Syed Asim Munir, the Pakistan Armed Forces crushed the enemy’s arrogance with an excellent strategic response. ”The entire nation acknowledged Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s contributions in protecting national security and sovereignty, and in the fight against terrorism,” he said.

Congratulating Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu on the extension of his term, the president said that due to the successful military strategy of the air chief, Pakistan gave a crushing response to the enemy. “Under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, the Pakistan Air Force decisively defeated the Indian Air Force,” the president added. The president also conveyed his best wishes to both Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu.

In a related development, Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Anwarul Haq has congratulated Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir on his promotion to the rank of Field Marshal.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has strongly rejected Indian allegations that it attempted to target the Golden Temple through drone and missile attacks on the night of May 7-8.

In response to a media query regarding the claim made by a senior Indian Army officer, the Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We categorically reject the allegations that Pakistan attempted to target the Golden Temple, the most revered place in the Sikh faith.” The spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan respects all religious sites and would never consider attacking a place of worship. “We hold all places of worship in the highest esteem and cannot think of targeting a holy site like the Golden Temple,” the statement said.

Referring to the night of May 6 and 7, when New Delhi launched barbaric attacks on Islamabad, the spokesperson said it was India that carried out strikes on various places of worship inside Pakistan. “The allegations levelled by the Indian side cannot shift attention from this unacceptable act.” The Foreign Office added that Pakistan is the proud custodian of several key Sikh religious sites and welcomes thousands of Sikh pilgrims annually, including through the visa-free Kartarpur Corridor. “In that backdrop, any claim concerning Pakistan’s attempt to target the Golden Temple is absolutely baseless and incorrect,” the spokesperson concluded.

In a related development, China said it supports Pakistan in defending “national sovereignty and territorial integrity”, China’s foreign ministry said. Wang, meanwhile, called Pakistan an “ironclad friend” and vowed to deepen the “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” between the two countries. Earlier, the DPM/FM Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hailed All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and ironclad friendship between Pakistan and China during the meeting, a DPM’s office news release said.

During the meeting, both the leaders expressed satisfaction at the commonality of views on all issues of mutual interest and expressed their firm resolve to continue bilateral cooperation for regional peace, development and stability. Moreover, both sides exchanged views on the evolving situation in South Asia, future trajectory of Pakistan-China friendship and CPEC 2.0. Chinese foreign minister said China welcomes the two countries “handling differences through dialogue”.

At the same time, in a loud and clear manner, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that Pakistan relies on its own strength and determination, and that the role of the international community in peacemaking is contingent upon the country’s commitment and resolve.

Speaking to China’s CGTN, Lt Gen Chaudhry said: “The most important thing is Pakistan’s resolve and its own strength. After Allah, we rely on ourselves and our own power. So only if we are resolute and have a strong commitment — which we have already shown [in the recent powerful response to Indian aggression] — the international community will also play its complete role.”

He added that the world today faces much larger issues, including climate change, misinformation, and a growing population. In this context, he questioned the actions of India trying to dominate others based on false claims. “In such a situation, should a country try to impose hegemony on other countries around it on the basis of a false narrative, for no reason and without any evidence?” he asked.

Referring to Pakistan’s defence forces, Lt Gen Chaudhry said: “The Pakistani nation, we have never bowed down nor ever will. Because I have said it before and will say it again — for us, the wish to embrace martyrdom is more beloved than living.

“It is an honour and privilege for each one of us who is wearing this uniform, whether blue, white or khaki [Pakistan Air Force, navy and army], to die for our homeland. It’s the biggest honour.”

On regional cooperation and shared goals, he highlighted the similarities between Pakistan and China’s approaches to peace and development. “Pakistan and China, or any responsible country in this world, their first obligation is towards their people. The prosperity and well-being of the people come from peace and stability,” he said.

Both countries, the top military spokesperson added, are working for peace, along with other responsible states, and must continue to fight terrorism, which he said is a key obstacle to development. “The aim behind terrorism is to stop the same prosperity. We are making efforts against it, on our own and with the help of our friends,” he said.

Speaking about China’s progress, the ISPR chief said: “China’s progress in modern history, in a very short period of time; the development and prosperity China has given to such a big population, I think that is for the world to see, and it’s remarkable.” He said that Pakistan also wants the same — to move towards progress and stability. “We owe it to the people of Pakistan and the future generations of Pakistan, and that’s why we always say that our preference is peace.”

Lt Gen Chaudhry said that peace is being celebrated by the people of Pakistan instead of a defeat for India. “If you see in the streets of Pakistan, you will see people celebrating peace instead of victory. You will see humility in them. We are very down-to-earth. We are bowing our heads down in humility rather than thumping our chests because we prefer peace.”

On internal challenges, he said that Pakistan would now turn its focus against terrorism. “We now have to turn this iron wall [Bunyanum Marsoos] — that includes the people, armed forces and all elements of national power — towards the menace of terrorism,” he concluded.

Furthermore, India said it would resume a daily border ceremony with Pakistan which it briefly halted earlier this month. India’s Border Security force said the sunset ceremony on its side would be open to the media on Tuesday and to the general public on Wednesday at the Attari-Wagah land border in the northern state of Punjab. Pakistan said it never stopped the ceremony, with its troops marching on its side of the border alone. The ceremony, however, is expected to be a low-key affair with diplomatic measures against Pakistan still in place, including the closure of the land border. For years, the ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border has been a popular tourist attraction. The daily border ritual has largely endured over the decades, surviving innumerable diplomatic flare-ups and military skirmishes.