The federal cabinet has decided to promote Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal in recognition of his leadership and services in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.

The decision was taken in a meeting of the federal cabinet on Tuesday. The cabinet also decided that Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar will continue to serve in his position even after his term ends.

The cabinet also decided that soldiers who served during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos will be given awards in recognition of their services.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said that General Munir had led the armed forces with exemplary courage and dedication and had streamlined Pakistan’s strategy across armed forces. It added that General Munir’s promotion was proposed by PM Shehbaz Sharif

The statement also added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had met President Asif Ali Zardari and taken him into confidence over the decision.

In a statement, General Asim Munir thanked Allah for the honour of being awarded the rank of field marshal and dedicated the honour to the people of Pakistan. He added that the rank was a matter of pride for the armed forces and people of Pakistan.

The rank of field marshal has only been held once before in Pakistan’s history, by former COAS Ayub Khan.