Pakistan cabinet approves elevation of Army Chief Gen Asim Munir to Field Marshal rank

The Pakistan cabinet approved on Tuesday the promotion of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal in recognition of “his exemplary leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos", a major military response that repelled unprovoked aggression by India on the night of May 6 and 7, 2025, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

A security official said field marshal was a ceremonial five-star rank that usually signifies extraordinary leadership and wartime achievement.

The promotion is the first since Pakistani dictator General Ayub Khan made himself a field marshal in 1965, he said.

With the new ceremonial rank, he said, Munir will remain the army chief.

The cabinet also decided to extend the service of Pakistan Air Force chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu after his service term expires, the PM's office said.

It did not say for how long Sidhu's job would be extended, nor did it say whether Munir's promotion to the rank of field marshal will mean that he has no retirement date.

Munir started his job as army chief in November 2022.

A parliamentary legal amendment extended Munir's term to five years in November 2023, from the usual three years for the role of army chief.

The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, officially bestowed the title of Field Marshal on General Munir, who holds the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military). The meeting praised the success of the operation and congratulated the nation on what it described as a “historic victory in the battle for truth.”

In the statement, the cabinet praised Gen Munir’s “unmatched leadership, courage and strategic command,” crediting him for uniting and coordinating the armed forces to deliver a decisive and coordinated response.

“Thanks to his outstanding military leadership, Pakistan emerged victorious in this critical battle,” the statement said.

The cabinet unanimously approved the prime minister’s recommendation to promote General Munir to Field Marshal -- the highest military rank — as a tribute to his “heroic defense of the nation and unwavering commitment to its sovereignty.”

PM Shehbaz also held a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari to brief him on the cabinet’s decision and to take him into confidence regarding the elevation.

The cabinet strongly condemned the Indian offensive, which it said deliberately targeted Pakistani civilians, including women and children, in violation of international norms.

The federal cabinet acknowledged that Pakistan had faced one of the most critical moments in its history during the recent confrontation with its arch-rival. It noted that India’s attack was not only unprovoked but also aimed at undermining Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The cabinet also decided that officers, soldiers, martyrs, and civilians who rendered exemplary services during the operation will be honored with national awards.

Field Marshal Asim Munir dedicates honor to entire nation: ISPR

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military media wing issued a statement saying that Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed his gratitude to Allah for receiving the prestigious honor.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Gen Munir dedicated this recognition to the entire nation, the Pakistan Armed Forces, and especially to the civilian and military martyrs and veterans.

Field Marshal Munir also thanked the president, prime minister, and the federal cabinet for their trust. He described this honor as a national trust, stating that millions like him would be willing to sacrifice for the country’s cause.

He emphasized that this accolade is not an individual achievement but a distinction for the Pakistan armed forces and the entire nation.

– With additional input from Reuters