In a landmark ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Thursday, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif jointly conferred the baton of field marshal on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Syed Asim Munir. This elevation marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s military history, recognizing General Munir’s outstanding leadership during the recent military clashes with India and his strategic command in “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos”.
Ceremony for Conferring the Baton of Field Marshal upon Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir! 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/e4ywWG115O
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 22, 2025
The federal cabinet, chaired by PM Shehbaz, had earlier approved General Munir’s promotion to the highest military rank—a five-star designation that stands above that of a general. The decision was taken to honor his role in safeguarding Pakistan’s security and delivering a strategic victory during a critical period of national defense.
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During the special investiture ceremony, President Zardari expressed pride in the armed forces, commending their unwavering defense of the country’s sovereignty and integrity in the face of unprovoked Indian aggression. “It is with great pride and full confidence in his leadership and character that I, as President of Pakistan, promote General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal,” he declared.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed this sentiment, calling it a “moment of profound national pride and historic importance.” He praised the armed forces for not only protecting the nation’s borders but also for taking the fight into enemy territory, ultimately compelling the aggressor to retreat.
PM Shehbaz also paid tribute to other military leaders, including Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, for their collective leadership during the conflict.
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Speaking at the event, Field Marshal Munir lauded the role of the Pakistani media, describing it as the “fourth pillar of the state.” He thanked journalists for standing by the armed forces during the war, stating, “You fought this battle alongside us and showed the world that we speak only the truth.”
Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos
In retaliation to Indian aggression across the Line of Control and inside Pakistani territory—justified by New Delhi as targeting “terrorist infrastructure”—Pakistan launched a major military operation titled Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. The operation involved precision strikes on Indian military sites across several sectors.
Pakistan’s forces downed six Indian jets, including three Rafales, and dozens of drones. The conflict, which lasted 87 hours, concluded with a ceasefire brokered by the United States on May 10. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Indian strikes martyred 53 Pakistanis, including 13 military personnel and 40 civilians.
Profile: Field Marshal Asim Munir
Field Marshal Munir began his military career through the Mangala Officers Training School and was commissioned into the Frontier Force Regiment. He has held several key positions, including Director-General of Military Intelligence (2017) and Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (2018)—making him the only army chief to have led both intelligence agencies.
He later served as Corps Commander Gujranwala and Quartermaster General at GHQ before becoming Chief of Army Staff in November 2022. He is also distinguished as the first COAS to receive the prestigious Sword of Honour during his training.
Field Marshal Munir’s promotion is a testament to his exceptional service, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to national defense.