Here's what Gen Asim Munir’s promotion to Field Marshal means

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The federal government has promoted Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal on Tuesday in recognition of his leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, launched in response to India’s recent military aggression.

Operation Bunyanum Marsoos stands as a landmark achievement in Pakistan’s military history. Under the skillful leadership and successful war strategy of Field Marshal Asim Munir, the armed forces defended the motherland.

Read More: Gen Asim Munir promoted to rank of field marshal

The decision was announced following a 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 ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy based on the high strategy and courageous leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” the official statement read.

A field marshal is the highest honorary rank in the army, typically a five-star position that stands above that of a general. The title is awarded for extraordinary military leadership and strategic excellence but does not carry any additional constitutional authority or operational command.

General Munir is only the second officer in Pakistan’s history to receive the rank. The first was former president Mohammad Ayub Khan, who was awarded the title in 1959.

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He joined the Pakistan Army via the Mangla Officers Training School programme and was commissioned into the Frontier Force Regiment.

He previously commanded forces in the Northern Areas as a brigadier and went on to serve as director-general of Military Intelligence in 2017, followed by his appointment as head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in 2018.

COAS Munir later commanded the Gujranwala Corps and served as Quarter Master General at the General Headquarters (GHQ). In November 2022, he became Pakistan’s 17th Chief of Army Staff.

He holds the distinction of being the only COAS to have led both the MI and ISI. He is also the first army chief to be awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour.