Field Marshal
In a landmark development, the federal government of Pakistan has promoted Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the prestigious rank of Field Marshal—the highest military designation in the Pakistan Army. The decision was officially approved during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday.
According to the statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the promotion is in recognition of General Munir’s exemplary leadership and strategic brilliance during “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.” The military operation was launched in response to India’s unprovoked aggression against Pakistan, and it played a crucial role in defending the nation’s sovereignty and defeating the adversary through coordinated, large-scale military actions.
During the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the entire nation on the success of the operation and the foiling of the enemy’s “nefarious designs.” He praised General Munir’s courageous and decisive leadership, which unified the efforts of Pakistan’s armed forces and ensured a comprehensive and effective national defense. The meeting paid rich tribute to General Munir for leading the military during what it called the “Marka-e-Haq” (battle for truth).
The cabinet also announced that officers and soldiers of the armed forces, including the martyrs (Shuhda), veterans (Ghazis), and even civilians who contributed during the operation, will be awarded national honors in recognition of their valuable services.
Additionally, it was decided that Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu’s services would be retained after the completion of his current term.
The rank of Field Marshal is a rare and highly symbolic military honor, representing a five-star designation that sits above the rank of a General. It is conferred only in cases of extraordinary military service, leadership, and national defense contributions.
In his response, Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed deep gratitude. “I thank Allah Almighty for this honour and dedicate it to the nation, to the Armed Forces of Pakistan, and especially to the civil and military martyrs and Ghazis,” he said, as quoted by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). He also thanked the President, Prime Minister, and federal cabinet for their trust and confidence in his leadership. “This honour is not for an individual but for the entire Pakistani nation and its armed forces,” he emphasized.
The recent military escalation between India and Pakistan was sparked by a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) last month, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan without providing evidence.
In retaliation to India’s strikes on Pakistani cities during the night of May 6 and 7, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos on May 10, targeting Indian military installations and reportedly downing six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, along with dozens of drones.
The conflict lasted approximately 87 hours and concluded with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. ISPR confirmed that 53 Pakistanis, including 13 military personnel and 40 civilians, were martyred during the confrontation. General Asim Munir’s elevation to Field Marshal stands as a tribute to the resilience and unity of the Pakistani armed forces and the people in the face of external aggression.
