ISLAMABAD: The federal government has elevated Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the prestigious rank of Field Marshal, honouring his leadership during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, a decisive military response to India’s recent unprovoked aggression.
The promotion, approved during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, recognizes General Munir’s “strategic brilliance and courageous command” during the operation, which followed a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) last month.
A statement released after the cabinet meeting praised General Munir for “ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy through high-level military strategy and bold leadership.”
What the Rank Signifies
The title of Field Marshal is the highest ceremonial rank in a nation’s army — equivalent to a five-star general. While it does not typically carry operational responsibilities, it is conferred in recognition of exceptional military service and strategic leadership. The rank carries immense prestige but does not include any additional constitutional powers.
General Munir is now only the second person in Pakistan’s history to be awarded this rank, following Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan, the country’s former president and army chief, who received the title in 1959.
Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos: A Military Response
In response to what Pakistan described as continued Indian military provocations along the Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan’s armed forces launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos earlier this month. The retaliatory strikes targeted several Indian military installations across multiple sectors.
Officials described the strikes as “precise and proportionate,” countering India’s claims that its own attacks were aimed at “terrorist positions.” During the conflict, Pakistan downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and neutralized dozens of drones.
The confrontation, which lasted approximately 87 hours, ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 53 Pakistanis were martyred in the hostilities — including 13 military personnel and 40 civilians.
General Asim Munir: Career Highlights
General Munir’s military career is marked by distinction and historic firsts:
- He was commissioned through the Mangla Officers Training School into the Frontier Force Regiment.
- As a brigadier, he commanded forces in Northern Areas.
- In 2017, he was appointed Director-General of Military Intelligence (MI), followed by a term as Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in 2018 — making him the only army chief to have led both intelligence agencies.
- He later served as Corps Commander Gujranwala and Quartermaster General at the General Headquarters (GHQ).
- In November 2022, he assumed command as Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
General Munir is also the first army chief to have been awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour, a distinction given to the best performing cadet at the Pakistan Military Academy.
His promotion to Field Marshal marks a new chapter in Pakistan’s military history, cementing his legacy as one of the country’s most decorated and strategically impactful commanders.
