COAS General Asim Munir Elevated to Field Marshal Rank

ISLAMABAD (RNN TV) — In a historic move, the federal government has promoted Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, the highest position in the Pakistan Army, in recognition of his exemplary leadership during the recent military confrontation with India, codenamed Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.

The decision was officially approved during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office noted that the promotion was granted for Gen Munir’s “brilliant military leadership, strategic vision, and courageous defense of the nation” during the operation.

Honouring Leadership and Sacrifice

PM Shehbaz congratulated the nation on the success of the operation and praised the armed forces for thwarting the enemy’s aggressive plans. The cabinet paid tribute to Gen Munir for leading the Pakistan Army with “exemplary courage and determination,” effectively coordinating defense efforts and securing the country’s sovereignty during a critical period.

“This is not an individual honour but a recognition for the entire Armed Forces and the Pakistani nation,” Gen Munir said in a statement via the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). He dedicated the honour to the martyrs (shuhada), war veterans (ghazis), and the people of Pakistan. He also thanked Allah Almighty, the president, prime minister, and the cabinet for their trust.

Background of the Conflict

The promotion follows the conclusion of a brief but intense military conflict between Pakistan and India earlier this month. On the night of May 6 and 7, India launched unprovoked attacks on multiple Pakistani cities, triggering a strong retaliatory response from Pakistan’s armed forces.

Pakistan’s response, Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, launched on May 10, targeted key Indian military assets across several regions. According to ISPR, Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets—including three Rafales—and dozens of drones. The conflict ended after 87 hours with a ceasefire brokered by the United States.

The clash resulted in the martyrdom of 53 Pakistanis, including 13 military personnel and 40 civilians.

The confrontation was sparked by a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that killed 26 tourists. India accused Pakistan of involvement without presenting evidence, further escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Additional Decisions by the Cabinet

In the same cabinet meeting, it was decided to extend the service of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu beyond his current term. The government also announced that military personnel, martyrs, and civilians who rendered exceptional service during the conflict would be honoured with high state awards.

Significance of the Rank

The rank of Field Marshal is a five-star designation, rarely conferred, and symbolizes exceptional and historic military leadership. Gen Asim Munir is now among the few in Pakistan’s history to receive this prestigious title.

His promotion underscores the gravity of the recent conflict and the leadership role he played in navigating the country through a period of high national security risk.

Source: Web Desk