The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the nation and military leadership for what he called a “resounding success” in the recent conflict with India, as the federal cabinet approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.
The decision was made during a high-level cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on Tuesday, where ministers praised the operational success of Operation Bunyanum Mursoos, calling it a historic victory that thwarted Indian aggression and safeguarded national sovereignty.
“I extend heartfelt congratulations to the entire Pakistani nation on the brilliant success of Operation Bunyanum Mursoos and the failure of enemy designs,” said PM Shehbaz.
The cabinet recounted that on the night of 6 and 7 May 2025, India launched an “unprovoked and unjustified” assault on Pakistan, targeting civilian areas, including women and children.
“The Indian military’s attack was a blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the cabinet noted.
The armed forces, under General Munir’s leadership, responded with exemplary courage and coordination, said statement.
The Prime Minister lauded COAS Asim Munir for demonstrating “exceptional military leadership, bravery, and strategic command.”
In recognition of his gallant defence of the homeland and leadership that ensured Pakistan’s sovereignty, the cabinet has approved PM Shehbaz’s recommendation to promote General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.
The cabinet further announced that Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu will continue his services beyond his scheduled retirement, a move approved unanimously.
In addition, the government will confer national awards on officers, soldiers, war veterans, martyrs, and civilians who played a vital role during the operation.
The cabinet described the armed forces’ unity and performance as a “golden chapter” in Pakistan’s defence history, asserting that the recent events had reaffirmed national resolve and military readiness.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed full support for the promotion of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, citing his leadership during recent successful military operations defending Pakistan’s sovereignty.
The endorsement came during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday, also attended by Federal Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
Prime Minister briefed the president on the federal cabinet’s decision to elevate General Asim Munir, praising the general’s decisive role in “crushing Indian aggression” during the recent conflict.
President Zardari lauded the armed forces’ successful defence of the motherland, stating, “Under General Asim Munir’s command, the armed forces defended Pakistan with exceptional professionalism and resolve.”
He added, “In view of his exemplary leadership, strategic acumen, and Pakistan’s effective military response to Indian hostilities, General Munir rightly deserves the historic elevation to Field Marshal.”
The meeting also recognised the coordinated efforts of the armed forces in mounting an effective response to Indian attacks on 6–7 May, and praised the defence leadership for their execution of a robust war strategy under pressure.
This achievement is a tribute to armed forces, people of Pakistan: General Asim Munir
Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed deep gratitude to Allah Almighty upon being conferred the rank of Field Marshal, dedicating the honour to the entire nation, the Pakistan Armed Forces, and especially to the martyrs and veterans—both civil and military.
“This is not a personal achievement, but a tribute to the armed forces and the people of Pakistan,” said Field Marshal Munir in a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
He extended thanks to the President, Prime Minister, and the federal cabinet for their trust, emphasising that the honour is a national trust that demands the highest sacrifice.
