- Tuesday, May 20, 2025
The cabinet decided to bestow him this title for “successfully” leading Pakistan armed forces during the four-day conflict with India
By: India Weekly
PAKISTAN army chief general Asim Munir was on Tuesday (20) promoted as the field marshal for his “exemplary role” in leading the country’s armed forces in the recent conflict with India, according to media reports.
The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by prime minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The cabinet also unanimously decided to retain air chief marshal Zaheer Babar Sidhu in service even after the completion of his tenure.
The state-run PTV reported that the cabinet took the important decision to “promote General Munir as field marshal” of the country.
They lauded Munir for “successfully” leading the Pakistan armed forces when India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
India carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir early on May 7.
Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10.
Indian forces repulsed those attacks and, in their counter-offensive, hit many airfields in Pakistan, destroying its air defense systems in Lahore and Chaklala.
Pakistan military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry had said during a media briefing that Indian missiles had targeted Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) air bases.
Nur Khan air base is less than 25 kilometers from Islamabad.
The two countries reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.
In his response to the promotion, Munir said he was grateful to God for receiving the position and dedicated the promotion to the “entire nation, the armed forces of Pakistan, especially the civil and military martyrs and veterans,” reported Dawn.
“I am grateful to the president of Pakistan, the prime minister, and the cabinet for their trust,” he said.
Before Munir, former Pakistan general Ayub Khan had elevated himself to field marshal in 1959.
