On Tuesday, the government of Pakistan upgraded Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal for his service during the recent conflict with India. This marks only the second instance in the country’s history in which a military officer has received this promotion.
Cabinet Approves Promotion After Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif headed a cabinet meeting and announced the move, hailing the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, Pakistan’s counter to India’s Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 to strike at terrorist infrastructure at nine sites.
Munir becomes the first Pakistani military official to be promoted to the rank since 1959, when the nation’s first military dictator, Ayub Khan, proclaimed himself a field marshal. The promotion is likely to further solidify Munir’s hold on power, as the military already wields significant influence in determining foreign and security policies.
PM Office Praises Munir’s Leadership
“The government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of Gen Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal for ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy based on the high strategy and courageous leadership during Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement in Urdu.
The statement said Munir led the Pakistan Army with “exemplary courage and determination” and “fully coordinated the war strategy and efforts of the armed forces”. The cabinet approved Sharif’s proposal to promote Munir in recognition of his “military leadership, courage and bravery, ensuring Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the courageous defence against the enemy”, it said.
Munir was made the army chief in November 2022, three days before he was to retire, and was to have a three-year term. The government extended his term to five years in 2024 and he is now likely to be in office until November 2027.
Asim Munir of Pakistan Thanks Government for Honour
A statement released by the media wing of the Pakistani military quoted Munir as having said that he dedicated the honour to the armed forces. Munir thanked the president, the prime minister and the cabinet for the faith they had placed in him.
Sharif received President Asif Ali Zardari and brought him into confidence about the promotion of Munir. A presidency statement quoted Zardari as stating: “Under Gen Syed Asim Munir’s leadership, the armed forces have successfully defended the homeland.” He added Munir was worthy of the promotion for defending Pakistan.
Operation Sindoor and the Path to Ceasefire for India, Pakistan
India had initiated Operation Sindoor on May 7 to target terrorist installations at nine sites in Pakistan and PoK in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. This led to four days of heavy strikes and counter-strikes by both sides using drones, missiles and other long-range weapons and with apprehensions of all-out war. The two sides came to an understanding on May 10 to stop firing and military operations.
