COAS receives Field Marshal Baton

Field Marshal COAS General Asim Munir was honoured with the 'Baton of Field Marshal' in a special ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, members of the federal cabinet, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan People's Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, governors of all the four provinces, chief ministers and diplomats from various countries.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif jointly conferred the 'Baton of Field Marshal' on COAS Munir in recognition of his strategic leadership and contributions to national defence.

The PM, while addressing the ceremony, said, "Today is a historic and proud day. We acknowledge the services of our heroes, and today's event is part of that ongoing recognition."

He added, "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. Additionally, the Field Marshal plays a key role in maintaining the coordination between military and political leadership."

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.