In a historic and symbolic moment, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir was formally conferred the Baton of Field Marshal during a high-profile ceremony held in the federal capital on Thursday.
The event was jointly presided over by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the President House, signifying the nation’s recognition of General Munir’s exceptional leadership, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to national defence.
The ceremony witnessed an impressive turnout of civil, political, diplomatic, and military dignitaries. Among the attendees were:
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Members of parliament
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Governors of Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
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Chief ministers of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan
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Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar
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Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb
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Defense Minister Khawaja Asif
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Federal ministers Hanif Abbasi, Musaddiq Malik, Abdul Aleem Khan, and Jam Kamal
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Federal cabinet members and services chiefs
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Notably, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also attended the ceremony. The event was further graced by the presence of foreign diplomats, senior military officials, and key members of the strategic and defence community.
The Baton of Field Marshal symbolizes the highest standard of military authority and ceremonial prestige. General Syed Asim Munir's elevation to this status reflects his distinguished service, strategic command during critical phases of national security, and his role in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty amid evolving threats.
As the ceremony concluded, President Zardari praised Field Marshal Munir’s leadership and reaffirmed the nation's full confidence in the Pakistan Army under his command.
President Zardari, PM Shehbaz pay tribute to field marshal
President Asif Ali Zardari said that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its brave armed forces in the face of the enemy. He praised Field Marshal Asim Munir for leading from the front during Marka-e-Haq, stating that his conferment as Field Marshal is a proud moment for the country.
“The entire nation is proud of its courageous and committed armed forces,” he added. “This ceremony is a tribute to the brave sons of the nation.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also hailed Field Marshal Asim Munir as a true son of the soil who made history with his leadership.
“Field Marshal Asim Munir played a decisive role during Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos,” he said. “His role has been vital in safeguarding national sovereignty and ensuring the country’s security.”
The prime minister further lauded the field marshal's unwavering determination and composure during highly tense moments, calling it “exemplary.”
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“Our armed forces crushed the enemy’s arrogance and responded with strength and precision, forcing them to retreat,” he added. “The military leadership achieved an unprecedented and historic victory, and today is a proud and historic day for Pakistan.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded by expressing deep gratitude for the services of the armed forces, saying, “We are forever indebted to the sacrifices and dedication of our national heroes.”
Later, in an informal interaction with senior journalists at the Presidency, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir paid glowing tribute to the role of Pakistan’s media in supporting the armed forces and defending the national narrative.
He described the media as a vital pillar of national strength. “The media is our pride — you have shown the world that we speak the truth,” he said, acknowledging the press for standing shoulder to shoulder with the military during the war.
Field Marshal Asim Munir emphasized that the armed forces have consistently proven their dedication and capability to protect the motherland. “We have proven that we know how to defend our homeland,” he asserted.
