Islamabad, Pakistan: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has become the first ever four-star General who has been elevated to the rank of Field Marshal by the nation through the Federal Cabinet of Pakistan. His brilliant leadership brought the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos during the War of Truth and the dust-licking defeat of India.
The Government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir (Nishan-e-Imtiaz Military) to the rank of Field Marshal on Tuesday.
On the night of May 6 and 7, 2025, India imposed an unprovoked and unjustified war on Pakistan, and innocent civilians, including women and children, were targeted among the civilian population of Pakistan. The then Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir led the Pakistan Army with exemplary courage and determination, and fully coordinated the war strategy and efforts of the armed forces, and Pakistan achieved a historic victory in the battle of Haq. In recognition of his brilliant military leadership, courage, and bravery, ensuring Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and courageous defense against the enemy, the cabinet approved the Prime Minister’s proposal to promote General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.
Same time, the government also unanimously decided to continue the services of Air Chief Marshal Zahar Ahmed Babar Sidhu after his term ends.
What is the rank of Field Marshal?
The rank of Field Marshal was first introduced by the French when General Alberic Clement (1165 – 1191) was decorated as the first Field Marshal of the world by the then-French King Philip Augustus. In essence, the term “Field Marshal” is used to convey the idea of exceptional military leadership and honor, and this can be seen as a form of recognition of what Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir gifted to the nation by defeating Indian forces within 11 hours, who begged ceasefire after attacking Pakistan.
What does Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir say about his elevation?
His humble message says:
- I am grateful to Allah Almighty for receiving the Field Marshal’s Honor.
- I dedicate this honor to the entire nation, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, especially the civil and military martyrs and veterans.
- I am grateful to the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet for the trust they have placed in me. This honor is a trust of the nation, for which millions of Asims have sacrificed themselves.
- This is not an individual honor but an honor for the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the entire nation.
What did the people say about this development?
- This is a timely decision to elevate Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, as his leadership defeated Indian aggression and foiled the nefarious designs of the enemy.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Pakistani Armed Forces deserve praise for Pakistan’s effective response to the Indian attacks. - The Pakistani Armed Forces, led by General Syed Asim Munir, crushed the Indian’s arrogance with the best strategy.
Thanks to the successful war strategy of the Air Chief Marshal, Pakistan gave a befitting reply to the enemy. - Pakistan Air Force defeated the Indian Air Force under the leadership of the Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, and he is an asset to the country.
- The promotion of Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal is an important and historic decision in the country’s history.
- The victory in the battle of truth, ” Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos,” is a tribute to the blood of Kashmiri martyrs.
- The honor of Field Marshal is a tribute to the military leader who became the voice of the oppressed Kashmiris.
- The Kashmiri nation wholeheartedly congratulates General Asim Munir on becoming Field Marshal.
- This promotion is a continuation of the struggle related to perseverance, sacrifice, and the blood of martyrs.
- Under the leadership of General Asim Munir, Pakistan has achieved new successes on the defense, diplomatic, and internal fronts.
- The position of Field Marshal is a national recognition of the services that the General has rendered for the country and the nation.
- Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is a symbol of the stability of Pakistan, and his vision is a ray of hope for the Kashmiri people and the oppressed of occupied Kashmir.
Who is Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir?
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is the most senior officer in the Pakistan Army, and before becoming the Army Chief, he has served in many important positions, including DG ISI, Corps Commander Gujranwal, and DG MI. He joined the Pakistan Army after completing his training from the Officers Training School, Mangla. During his training, he was awarded the Sword of Honor for his excellent performance, and after completing his training, he was commissioned in the Frontier Force Regiment of the Pakistan Army. Syed Asim Munir is also a Hafiz Quran. Syed Asim Munir served as Commander Force Command Northern Area in 2014 and was appointed as DG Military Intelligence in 2017. After that, after being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in October 2018, he was appointed DG ISI, and thereafter he was appointed as Corps Commander Gujranwala in June 2019. General Asim Munir has been serving as Quartermaster General at GHQ since October 2021. On November 29, 2022, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif approved the appointment of the senior-most three-star general, Lieutenant General Syed Asim Munir, as the 17th Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army. General Asim Munir took over the command responsibilities from former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on November 29, 2022. On May 20, the federal cabinet promoted Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.