On May 22, 2025, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir received the prestigious ‘Baton of Field Marshal’ during a special ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad.
The honour recognised Munir’s strategic leadership in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and contributions to national defence. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif jointly conferred the honour, marking Munir’s recent promotion to Field Marshal, approved by the federal cabinet on May 20.
The event drew high-profile attendees, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, federal cabinet members, governors of all four provinces, chief ministers, and diplomats from various countries. The ceremony underscored national unity in celebrating Munir’s military achievements, particularly his role in what the government claims was a decisive response to Indian aggression during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
Prime Minister Sharif hailed the occasion as “a historic and proud day” for Pakistan, emphasising the military’s triumph under Munir’s command. “The military leadership secured a remarkable victory against the enemy,” Sharif stated, crediting Munir for exceptional leadership in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, which the cabinet described as thwarting Indian threats and safeguarding sovereignty. Sharif also praised Munir’s coordination between military and political leadership, reinforcing national stability.
Field Marshal Promotion
On May 20, the federal cabinet, chaired by Sharif, unanimously approved Munir’s promotion to Field Marshal, a rare honour reflecting his “bravery and strategic command” in defending Pakistan. The cabinet lauded the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, a large-scale military operation launched on May 10, 2025, in response to alleged Indian attacks on May 6–7, as the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported. The operation, which ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, marked a significant moment in Pakistan’s defence narrative.
Read: Field Marshal in Pakistan Army: Role, Responsibilities, and Significance
The ‘Baton of Field Marshal’ ceremony symbolises Pakistan’s recognition of Munir’s pivotal role in national security. As Field Marshal, Munir joins an elite group of military leaders, with his leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, claimed by the government to have neutralised Indian aggression, cementing his legacy. The event also highlights Pakistan’s commitment to honouring its armed forces, as Sharif noted, “We acknowledge the services of our heroes.”
The ceremony reinforces Munir’s influence in shaping Pakistan’s defence strategy amid regional challenges.
