The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the nation and military leadership for what he called a “resounding success” in the recent conflict with India, as the federal cabinet approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.
The decision was made during a high-level cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on Tuesday, where ministers praised the operational success of Operation Bunyanum Mursoos, calling it a historic victory that thwarted Indian aggression and safeguarded national sovereignty.
“I extend heartfelt congratulations to the entire Pakistani nation on the brilliant success of Operation Bunyanum Mursoos and the failure of enemy designs,” said PM Shehbaz.
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت وفاقی کابینہ کے اجلاس میں اہم فیصلے
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 20, 2025
وزیرِ اعظم کی پوری پاکستانی قوم کو معرکہ حق کے دوران آپریشن بنیان مرصوص کی شاندار کامیابی اور دشمن کے عزائم خاک میں ملانے پر مبارکباد.
حکومت پاکستان کی جانب سے معرکہ حق، آپریشن بنیان مرصوص کی اعلیٰ حکمتِ… pic.twitter.com/1PvKzDEkFC
The cabinet recounted that on the night of 6 and 7 May 2025, India launched an “unprovoked and unjustified” assault on Pakistan, targeting civilian areas, including women and children.
“The Indian military’s attack was a blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the cabinet noted.
The armed forces, under General Munir’s leadership, responded with exemplary courage and coordination, said statement.
The Prime Minister lauded COAS Asim Munir for demonstrating “exceptional military leadership, bravery, and strategic command.”
In recognition of his gallant defence of the homeland and leadership that ensured Pakistan’s sovereignty, the cabinet has approved PM Shehbaz’s recommendation to promote General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت وفاقی کابینہ کے اجلاس میں اہم فیصلے
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 20, 2025
1/3 pic.twitter.com/vwhcPjDfUv
The cabinet further announced that Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu will continue his services beyond his scheduled retirement, a move approved unanimously.
In addition, the government will confer national awards on officers, soldiers, war veterans, martyrs, and civilians who played a vital role during the operation.
The cabinet described the armed forces’ unity and performance as a “golden chapter” in Pakistan’s defence history, asserting that the recent events had reaffirmed national resolve and military readiness.
PM Shehbaz briefs President Zardari on cabinet’s decision
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed full support for the promotion of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, citing his leadership during recent successful military operations defending Pakistan’s sovereignty.
The endorsement came during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday, also attended by Federal Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
Prime Minister briefed the president on the federal cabinet’s decision to elevate General Asim Munir, praising the general’s decisive role in “crushing Indian aggression” during the recent conflict.
President Zardari lauded the armed forces’ successful defence of the motherland, stating, “Under General Asim Munir’s command, the armed forces defended Pakistan with exceptional professionalism and resolve.”
He added, “In view of his exemplary leadership, strategic acumen, and Pakistan’s effective military response to Indian hostilities, General Munir rightly deserves the historic elevation to Field Marshal.”
The meeting also recognised the coordinated efforts of the armed forces in mounting an effective response to Indian attacks on 6–7 May, and praised the defence leadership for their execution of a robust war strategy under pressure.
This achievement is a tribute to armed forces, people of Pakistan: General Asim Munir
Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed deep gratitude to Allah Almighty upon being conferred the rank of Field Marshal, dedicating the honour to the entire nation, the Pakistan Armed Forces, and especially to the martyrs and veterans—both civil and military.
“This is not a personal achievement, but a tribute to the armed forces and the people of Pakistan,” said Field Marshal Munir in a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
He extended thanks to the President, Prime Minister, and the federal cabinet for their trust, emphasising that the honour is a national trust that demands the highest sacrifice.
“Millions of Asims are ready to lay down their lives to uphold it,” he added.
President Zardari congratulates General Asim Munir on promotion to Field Marshal
President Asif Ali Zardari, has congratulated General Asim Munir on his promotion to the prestigious rank of Field Marshal, describing the honour as recognition of his services to the motherland.
In a statement, President Zardari praised General Munir for his decisive role in responding strongly to unprovoked Indian aggression and thwarting the enemy’s malicious designs.
“The rank of Field Marshal is a tribute to your services in defence of the homeland. Field Marshal Asim Munir and the Pakistan Armed Forces deserve appreciation for their effective response to Indian attacks,” he said.
On behalf of the entire nation, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M) on his well-deserved promotion to the rank of Field Marshal. His exemplary leadership during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos crushed enemy’s nefarious designs and brought great…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 20, 2025
PM Shehbaz congratulates Asim Munir on promotion to Field Marshal
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a separate statement on X, extended heartfelt congratulations to General Asim Munir, NI (M), on his promotion to the rank of Field Marshal, lauding his leadership and the Armed Forces’ successful defence of Pakistan during recent operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
“On behalf of the entire nation, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to General Asim Munir on his well-deserved promotion to the rank of Field Marshal,” the premier said in an official statement.
He praised General Munir’s exemplary leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, which, according to the statement, “crushed the enemy’s nefarious designs and brought great honour to our Motherland.”
The Prime Minister noted that under General Munir’s command, Pakistan’s Armed Forces “staunchly defended the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity with unity, courage and the highest standards of military professionalism.”
“Today, Pakistan salutes Field Marshal Asim Munir, as well as our brave countrymen, soldiers, martyrs, and their families,” the Prime Minister added.
Rawalpindi, 20 May, 2025: General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) extended his heartiest congratulations and felicitations to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on his well-deserved promotion to the… pic.twitter.com/qKOwbgp0U6
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 20, 2025
General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), extended his heartiest congratulations and felicitations to Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on his well-deserved promotion to the prestigious rank of Field Marshal.
The CJCSC lauded the COAS's exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and distinguished services to the nation, especially during successful operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah welcomes promotion of Gen Asim Munir to Field Marshal
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has warmly welcomed the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, extending his heartfelt congratulations on the prestigious honour.
In a statement, CM Murad Shah praised the Army Chief’s unmatched strategic acumen, which, according to him, compelled India to surrender within hours. He emphasised that honouring those who instil fear in the hearts of enemies is a hallmark of vibrant and resilient nations.
Pakistan-India recent conflict
The latest escalation between Pakistan and India began on April 22, when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the Indian blame.
In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day on April 23, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other's embassies.
Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.
Read More: French intelligence official confirms downing of Rafale by Pakistan
In a swift military response, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets. The confrontation intensified again in the early hours of May 10, when India targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets.
On May 10, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.
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