The federal government has promoted Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal in recognition of his exceptional leadership during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, a military campaign launched earlier this month in response to India’s unprovoked aggression.
The recent escalation between Pakistan and India was triggered by last month’s attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s (IIOJK) Pahalgam. In the aftermath, Pakistan undertook a large-scale retaliatory operation against Indian military targets. Following a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a government statement read:
“The Government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir (Nishan-i-Imtiaz Military) to the rank of Field Marshal for safeguarding national security and leading the military to victory through strategic acumen and resolute leadership during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.”
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What the Title Signifies
Field Marshal is the highest honorary rank in the army — typically denoted by five stars — and sits above the rank of General. While largely symbolic and not associated with direct operational command, it is bestowed in recognition of extraordinary military service, outstanding strategic leadership, and significant contributions to national defense.
Despite its prestige, the rank does not grant additional constitutional powers. General Munir becomes only the second person in Pakistan’s history to receive this honour. The first was former President Mohammad Ayub Khan, who was awarded the title in 1959.
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Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos
The Pakistan Armed Forces launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos as a retaliatory measure, targeting multiple Indian military installations in response to escalating hostilities along the Line of Control (LoC) and within Pakistani territory. India claimed its actions were aimed at “terrorist targets,” but Pakistan described its response as “precise and proportionate.”
During the operation, Pakistan reportedly downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and neutralized several drones. The confrontation, lasting over 87 hours, ended on May 10 with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 53 people — including 13 military personnel and 40 civilians — were martyred in Indian strikes during the conflict.
Profile: General Asim Munir
General Asim Munir began his military career through the Mangla Officers Training School and was commissioned into the Frontier Force Regiment. Over the years, he has held several key positions:
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Commanded the Northern Areas Force as a Brigadier
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Served as Director-General of Military Intelligence (2017)
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Appointed Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in 2018
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Posted as Corps Commander Gujranwala
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Served as Quartermaster General at General Headquarters (GHQ)
In November 2022, he assumed the role of Chief of Army Staff. Notably, he is the only army chief to have headed both Military Intelligence and the ISI. He also holds the distinction of being the first COAS to have received the prestigious Sword of Honour.