ISLAMABAD, Thursday, May 22, 2025 (WNP): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday jointly conferred the prestigious rank of Field Marshal upon Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, acknowledging his leadership during a period of significant national challenge in a landmark ceremony at the President House.
The Prime Minister presented the ceremonial baton to Field Marshal Munir in the presence of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif, senior cabinet members, provincial governors and chief ministers, parliamentarians, and top military officials, including the heads of the Navy and Air Force. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also attended the special investiture.
A symbol of national confidence
President Zardari, addressing the gathering, praised the armed forces’ valor during the recent confrontation with India, dubbed Marka-e-Haq. He described Field Marshal Munir’s elevation as a symbol of national gratitude and confidence in his leadership and strategic acumen.
“This conferment is a recognition of your exemplary command and your commitment to protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty during a turbulent time,” said the President. “Your leadership embodies courage, wisdom, and resolve.”
He emphasized that Pakistan desires peace but will not compromise on its territorial integrity. “Any aggression will be met with the full might of our armed forces,” he asserted.
Premier hails victory in operation Bunyan ul Marsoos
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded Field Marshal Munir’s leadership during Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos, a decisive campaign against Indian aggression. “Our armed forces, under Field Marshal Munir, turned back the enemy and defended the nation with unmatched bravery and resolve,” he stated.
He termed the operation not only a military triumph but also a diplomatic and moral victory. “Pakistan’s political and military leadership worked in unprecedented harmony during the crisis, ensuring national unity and resilience,” he noted.
Corps Commanders’ Conference condemns Khuzdar terror attack
Separately, the 270th Corps Commanders’ Conference, chaired by COAS Asim Munir, strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Khuzdar, which killed four children and two adults. The incident was blamed on India-sponsored proxies, with commanders describing it as a flagrant breach of humanitarian norms.
According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, the forum paid tribute to all martyrs of Marka-e-Haq and reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty.
The conference reviewed internal and external security dynamics, emphasizing the successful conclusion of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and the strategic restraint exercised by Pakistan. It also highlighted ongoing Indian human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and reiterated support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Unyielding resolve against terrorism, aggression
The military leadership vowed to dismantle all networks of terrorism, particularly those backed by hostile foreign elements operating in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Externally sponsored violence will be countered with full national resolve,” the forum declared.
Field Marshal Munir, in his closing remarks, commended the operational preparedness and professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and reaffirmed their role in ensuring internal stability and external defence.
“Our strength lies in the unity and trust of the people. We will continue to defend Pakistan against all threats with unwavering determination,” he said.
