RAWALPINDI: A Special Guard of Honour ceremony was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Wednesday to mark the elevation of General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal — the highest position in Pakistan’s military hierarchy.
The ceremony took place at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada, where Field Marshal Munir laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha in tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the service of Pakistan.
The federal government’s decision to promote General Munir was in recognition of his exemplary leadership during Pakistan’s recent military confrontation with India and his strategic command of “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.”
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, “COAS Gen Munir led the Pakistan Army with outstanding courage and resolve, effectively coordinating the armed forces’ response in a well-orchestrated strategy.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Field Marshal Munir dedicated the honour to the people of Pakistan and paid special tribute to the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and civilian veterans for their steadfast commitment and sacrifices.
He particularly praised the martyrs of the recent conflict, describing them as heroes who stood “like a wall of steel” in the face of “India’s unprovoked, cowardly, and unlawful aggression.”
“This honour is not mine alone—it belongs to the entire Pakistani nation and the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, especially those who laid down their lives defending our homeland,” Munir said.
The elevation ceremony follows Pakistan’s large-scale military response to Indian attacks on several Pakistani cities during the nights of May 6 and 7. In a decisive retaliatory strike on May 10, Pakistan launched “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” targeting multiple Indian military installations across various regions.
During the operation, Pakistan successfully downed six Indian fighter jets — including three Rafale — and dozens of drones. The hostilities between the two nuclear-armed nations came to an end after 87 hours, with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.
In total, 53 people were martyred in the Indian strikes — 13 from the armed forces and 40 civilians.
The ceremony concluded with a moment of solemn reflection, as Field Marshal Munir saluted the martyrs who, in his words, “will always be remembered as the true guardians of the nation’s dignity and sovereignty.”
