Pakistan Promotes General Syed Asim Munir to Rank of Field Marshal Amid India-Pakistan Conflict
The Pakistani federal cabinet has promoted General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, a historic recognition of his leadership and bravery during the recent conflict with India. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the nation and military leadership on what he called a 'resounding success' in the conflict, with the cabinet praising the operational success of Operation Bunyanum Mursoos. The decision was made during a high-level cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, where ministers praised the armed forces for their exemplary courage and coordination in responding to Indian aggression.
Key Takeaways:
- The federal cabinet approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, a historic recognition of his leadership and bravery during the recent conflict with India.
- The cabinet praised the operational success of Operation Bunyanum Mursoos, saying it was a historic victory that thwarted Indian aggression and safeguarded national sovereignty.
- The armed forces, under General Munir's leadership, responded with exemplary courage and coordination, thwarting Indian aggression and safeguarding national sovereignty.
- The government will confer national awards on officers, soldiers, war veterans, martyrs, and civilians who played a vital role during the operation.
- President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other dignitaries have congratulated General Munir on his promotion, praising his leadership and bravery during the conflict.
- The promotion is a testament to General Munir's exceptional military leadership, bravery, and strategic command, and is a tribute to the armed forces and the people of Pakistan.
- The cabinet described the armed forces' unity and performance as a 'golden chapter' in Pakistan's defence history, asserting that the recent events had reaffirmed national resolve and military readiness.
- Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu will continue his services beyond his scheduled retirement, with the government approving the move unanimously.
- The cabinet lauded the defence leadership for their execution of a robust war strategy under pressure, and recognized the coordinated efforts of the armed forces in mounting an effective response to Indian attacks.
Statistics:
- At least 26 people were killed in the initial attack in Pahalgam on April 22.
- India suspended the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and cancelled visas for Pakistani citizens in response to the initial attack.
- The Wagah-Attari border crossing was closed, and the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi was shut down.
- The confrontation escalated in the early hours of May 7, with missile strikes hitting six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
- Pakistan's armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets, in a swift military response.
- The conflict resulted in the destruction of a mosque and the killing of dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.
Sources:
- "Pakistan Promotes General Syed Asim Munir to Rank of Field Marshal Amid India-Pakistan Conflict". Dawn. 2023-05-10.
- "Pakistani PM Congratulates General Munir on Promotion to Field Marshal". Geo News. 2023-05-10.
- "Field Marshal Asim Munir Grateful to Nation, Armed Forces, Says It's Not a Personal Achievement". Geo News. 2023-05-10.
- "President, PM Congratulate General Munir on Promotion to Field Marshal". The News. 2023-05-10.
- "Sindh Chief Minister Welcomes Promotion of Gen Asim Munir to Field Marshal". Dawn. 2023-05-10.