Pakistan’s federal Cabinet on Tuesday, May 20, approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal, according to a statement issued by the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office. The development comes only a few days after Pakistan’s most intense military confrontation with India in nearly three decades.
Munir, who has served as the country’s 11th chief of army staff since 2022, becomes only the second individual in Pakistan’s history to hold the title of field marshal, following former president Ayub Khan.
The decision to elevate Munir coincides with the consolidation of power by the military establishment. Last week, Pakistan’s Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling endorsing the trial of civilians in military courts.
The promotion follows the recent military conflict between India and Pakistan, triggered by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that left 26 civilians dead, including one Nepali citizen. India responded with Operation Sindoor, a multi-phase military campaign that targeted terrorist infrastructure and military installations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).
Indian strikes on May 7 reportedly destroyed nine terror launch pads, including those in Bahawalpur and Murdike, both known as longstanding terror strongholds. The offensive escalated into a military exchange on May 8 and 9, during which Indian forces inflicted damage on Pakistani air bases.
Prior to becoming army chief, Munir held key positions, including director-general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and commander of the XXX Corps in Gujranwala. He was awarded the Sword of Honour during his cadet training at the Officers Training School in Mangla.
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