Pakistan’s federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the elevation of Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, according to a report by Reuters quoting a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. The decision comes shortly after heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border, which saw both nations exchange cross-border fire and carry out military operations.
The approval was granted during a cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who endorsed the move “in recognition of the strategic brilliance and courageous leadership that ensured national security and decisively defeated the enemy.”
Munir hails national unity
Following the announcement, General Munir expressed his gratitude, stating he was thankful to God for the honour and dedicated the promotion to “the entire nation, the armed forces of Pakistan, especially the civil and military martyrs and veterans,” as reported by Dawn.
“I am grateful to the president of Pakistan, the prime minister and the cabinet for their trust,” he added.
In a separate statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Munir reiterated his appreciation, saying it was “an honour to have the trust of the nation, for which ‘millions of Asims have sacrificed themselves’.” He further noted, “This is not an individual honour but an honour for the armed forces of Pakistan and the entire nation.”
Ceremonial title, historic move
The rank of Field Marshal is a ceremonial five-star title, typically conferred in recognition of exceptional military leadership or performance during wartime. As per security officials quoted by Reuters, the position does not entail new responsibilities, and Munir will continue as the Chief of Army Staff despite the new designation.
This is the first time since 1965 that Pakistan has appointed a Field Marshal, the previous being former military ruler Ayub Khan, who bestowed the title upon himself. In addition to Munir’s promotion, the cabinet also approved an indefinite extension of tenure for Pakistan Air Force chief, Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, whose term was nearing completion.
Amid rising India-Pakistan hostilities, Munir recently remarked that while Pakistan is committed to peace, it “would not hesitate to take action to protect their national prestige.” India, for its part, has maintained that Operation Sindoor—its ongoing military response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack—is still active and that it will retaliate if provoked.
