General Asim Munir Promoted to Field Marshal in Recognition of Leadership
ISLAMABAD – The federal government announced today that it has officially promoted Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal. This recognition is for Munir’s exceptional leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, Pakistan’s response to recent military aggression from India.
A Historic Military Achievement
Operation Bunyanum Marsoos is a turning point in the history of Pakistan’s army. For it was here, hand in hand with the strategic genius of Field Marshal Munir, that our country’s survival was dramatically secured. His leadership during this operation earned high praise and official recognition, says the report.
Official Government Decision
The government announced the promotion in a press statement after the federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“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 for his victorious battles against the enemy under strategic skill and brave courage during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” stated a government release.
A Field Marshal’s Duties
A field marshal is the highest honorary rank in the army. It is a 5-star position, which surpasses that of general. However, this title signifies excellent military leadership and does not mean the person has additional operational command or constitutional authority
Munir is the second person in history of Pakistan to achieve this rank. The first was former President Mohammad Ayub Khan, who received it in 1959.
Career of Commander Munir
Having been commissioned from the Mangla Officers Training School into the Frontier Force Regiment, his army history begins.
Among Munir’s important positions:
Brigadier in the Northern Areas leading vital operations.
Director-General of Military Intelligence (2017).
Head of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) (2018).
Commander of Gujranwala Corps.
Quartermaster General at General Headquarters (GHQ).
Others: General Munir appointed Pakistan’s 17th Chief of Army Staff (November 2022). In addition, he has the unique distinction of having served as both Director of Military Intelligence (MI) and also as Director General, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Finally, General Munir is the first in the history of his country’s army to hold a Sword of Honour.
