In a special ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad today, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif jointly conferred the rank of Field Marshal upon Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Syed Asim Munir. This five-star rank, the highest in the Pakistan Army, recognizes General Munir’s exceptional leadership during recent military clashes with India and the successful execution of “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.”

The federal government announced the promotion on Tuesday, citing General Munir’s instrumental role in ensuring national security and achieving a decisive victory against the enemy.

“We gather to honour the nation’s armed forces and the heroes of the army, navy and the air force, who defended the sovereignty, territory and integrity against unprovoked Indian aggression. The entire nation is proud of all of you,” President Zardari said.

He formally promoted General Munir, stating, “I, as president of Pakistan, hereby promote General Syed Asim Munir to the full rank of field marshal and confer the baton of field marshal as supreme commander of the armed forces.” The President highlighted his confidence in Field Marshal Munir’s command and character, particularly during this turbulent period.

Prime Minister Sharif stated, “Today is a moment of profound national pride and historic importance for Pakistan.” He went on to praise not only Field Marshal Munir, but also Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, saying, “You have led our brave armed forces to a remarkable victory against an enemy, caught in its own web of arrogance and hubris. Our armed forces not only defended the nation’s frontiers but also took the battle deep into the enemy’s territory, and within no time, the aggressor was brought to its knees and was taught a lesson.”

In a brief interaction with journalists, Field Marshal Munir expressed his gratitude, particularly towards the Pakistani media. He stated, “Media is our pride. You people have told the world that we only speak the truth,” adding that the press is “the fourth pillar of state” and that they “fought the battle alongside us.”