General's star rises to marshal skies

Express Tribune

21-05-2025

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The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the elevation of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal in recognition of his exceptional military leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, which successfully repelled recent Indian aggression and safeguarded national sovereignty.
The decision, taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marks a rare move in Pakistan's military history. The rank of Field Marshal – the highest in the army – is traditionally reserved for outstanding wartime leadership and valour. The elevation follows a decisive military response to cross-border hostilities earlier this month.
An official statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) attributed 'Field Marshal Asim Munir' expressing his gratitude upon receiving the new title, saying he was thankful to Allah Almighty and dedicated the honour to the entire nation, the Pakistan Armed Forces and particularly to the civilian and military martyrs and veterans.
"This is not an individual honour but one for the Pakistan Armed Forces and the nation as a whole," the ISPR statement quoted Field Marshal Asim Munir as saying. He also thanked the president, the prime minister and the cabinet for their trust, saying that the "honour is a responsibility entrusted to me by the nation, and millions of Asims are ready to sacrifice themselves to uphold it". He also thanked the nation.
In a related decision, the federal cabinet also agreed unanimously to extend the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, whose term was nearing completion, citing the continuity of defence leadership as critical to national security.
An official statement issued after the meeting stated that the promotion was given in line with the army chief's leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, which was launched in response to an unprovoked attack by Indian forces in the night of May 6 and 7. The operation had successfully disrupted the offensive and safeguarded key strategic and civilian areas.
The cabinet noted that Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity were challenged, and credited the Armed Forces of Pakistan with executing a coordinated and effective defence. General Asim Munir played a central role in directing the response, it said.
The cabinet congratulated the entire nation on a decisive victory in the 'Battle for Truth', referring to Marka-e-Haq – the military's victorious defence against a sudden and unprovoked assault by India during the first week on May.
The cabinet statements said that Indian forces launched an unjustified and aggressive campaign, targeting civilian areas and attempting to violate Pakistan's territorial integrity.
General Munir, praised for his courage, strategic acumen and cohesive command, was credited with uniting the armed forces under a synchronised military strategy that decisively thwarted the enemy's ambitions.
The cabinet declared that his "unparalleled leadership" ensured a historic national success and merited the rare promotion to Field Marshal, a title conferred only once before in Pakistan's history. Prime Minister Shehbaz personally briefed President Asif Zardari on the decision, securing his confidence on the move.
The cabinet also decided that officers and personnel of the Pakistan Armed Forces, veterans, martyrs and Pakistani citizens from various sectors, would be awarded high-level state honours in recognition of their valuable services during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
In a separate statement, meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz extended heartfelt congratulations to the army chief on his promotion to the rank of Field Marshal. He said that during Marka-e-Haq, General Asim Munir's leadership and professional abilities thwarted the enemy's malicious intentions.
Shehbaz added that General Asim Munir has been endowed with exceptional qualities by Almighty Allah and his courage, perseverance and wisdom played a key role in the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
He reiterated that army chief's promotion was in recognition of his valuable services in defending the homeland and for taking steps to maintain the balance of power in the region. He acknowledged that from the army chief to every soldier who gave a decisive response to the enemy's aggression along the borders during Marka-e-Haq, all served bravely in defence of the country.
The prime minister stressed that the entire nation, including himself, took pride in the army chief and the veterans, martyrs and families of the brave armed forces under his leadership.
President Asif Zardari congratulated the army chief on his promotion to Field Marshal, praising his role in responding to the unprovoked Indian aggression and thwarting hostile intentions. "The rank of Field Marshal is recognition of your services in defence of the country," the president said.
He commended Field Marshal Asim Munir and the armed forces for their effective response to Indian attacks, calling their strategy under the army chief's leadership as decisive and effective. The president also acknowledged his contributions to national security, sovereignty and the fight against terrorism.
The president also congratulated Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu on the extension of his tenure, crediting his leadership for a strong air response and a clear defeat of the Indian Air Force. The president extended his best wishes to both Field Marshal Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Sidhu.
The decision to elevate Gen Asim to the rank of Field Marshal was hailed by people from all walks of life. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah warmly welcomed the promotion of COAS Gen Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, extending his heartfelt congratulations on this prestigious honour.
Earlier, Shehbaz had declared May 10 to be observed annually as Youm-e-Ma'raka-e-Haq (Day of the Battle for Truth), marking the country's resounding success in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos against India. Shehbaz had also unveiled substantial financial compensation packages for both civilians and military personnel affected during the Pakistan-India war.
Operation Bunyanum Marsoos was launched by Pakistan on May 10, 2025, as a retaliatory response to unprovoked Indian aggression, including missile strikes on Pakistani airbases and civilian areas. The operation, named after a Quranic term meaning "solid structure," aimed at neutralising key Indian military installations and demonstrate Pakistan's military resolve.
Following Indian attacks, the Armed Forces of Pakistan targeted India's BrahMos missile storage facility in Beas, airbases in Udhampur and Pathankot, and a military intelligence training facility in Rajouri. Pakistan's armed forces also shot down at least five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft. The downing of the jets, particularly the Rafales, was a notable development, as it was the first confirmed combat loss of the French-made aircraft.
Pakistan's strong response had soon drawn international attention, with global powers urging both nations to de-escalate tensions and avoid further military confrontations. Subsequently, upon US President Donald Trump's intervention, both sides had agreed to a ceasefire, which was still in place. President Trump had also urged both sides to hold talks to settle their longstanding issues, including the Kashmir issue.