Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Munir was formally handed the ‘Baton of Field Marshal’ at a special ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad Thursday evening.
Attendees at the ceremony included President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, members of his cabinet, PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, provincial governors and chief ministers, as well as diplomats of various countries.
President Zardari and Premier Shehbaz jointly conferred the 'Baton of Field Marshal' on Gen Munir in “recognition of his strategic leadership and contributions to national defence.”
“Today is a historic and proud day. We acknowledge the services of our heroes, and today’s event is part of that ongoing recognition,” the prime minister said while addressing the ceremony.
“The military leadership has achieved a remarkable victory against the enemy. I appreciate the leadership of the field marshal. Under his command, the military leadership secured a historic triumph.”
He further said, "Success was achieved in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos under the field marshal’s leadership. The field marshal also played a key role in maintaining the coordination between the military and political leadership."
Read More: Gen Asim Munir promoted to rank of field marshal
The federal cabinet had approved the promotion of COAS Munir to the rank of field marshal on Tuesday.
The decision was made during a high-level cabinet meeting chaired by the PM, wherein the ministers praised the success of Operation Bunyanum Mursoos, calling it a historic victory that thwarted Indian aggression and safeguarded national sovereignty.
The PM lauded COAS Munir for demonstrating “exceptional military leadership, bravery, and strategic command” and in recognition of his gallant defence of the homeland and leadership that ensured Pakistan’s sovereignty, the cabinet approved PM Shehbaz’s recommendation to promote General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.
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