Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have jointly conferred the baton of Field Marshal upon Chief of the Army Staff, Syed Asim Munir, during a special investiture ceremony in Islamabad.
According to Radio Pakistan, members of the federal cabinet, Chairman of the Pakistan People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif, provincial chief ministers, governors, services chiefs, diplomats, and civil and military officers attended the ceremony. The government had approved the promotion of Army Chief Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal in recognition of his services for ensuring the defense of the country and defeating the enemy through his courageous leadership and exceptional strategy during Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
Addressing the ceremony, President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated that Pakistan is a peace-loving nation, believing in peaceful co-existence, but warned that its desire for peace must not be mistaken for weakness. He emphasized that the entire nation is proud of its valiant armed forces, who have defended the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland against unprovoked Indian aggression. Zardari stated that the Pakistani nation and armed forces stood united in the face of the enemy's aggression, presenting a unified front, and that the world has witnessed their strength and resilience.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in his address, stated that Pakistan's response to Indian aggression will be remembered in history as an outstanding military, diplomatic, and moral triumph. He paid tribute to Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, acknowledging his bold and fearless leadership during Marka-e-Haq, which he credited as central to Pakistan's successful campaign. The Prime Minister praised Syed Asim Munir's command during Bunyanum Marsoos, which not only thwarted the enemy's nefarious designs but also re-wrote the history of warfare, inspiring future generations.
Sharif highlighted the exemplary coordination between the political and military leadership of Pakistan, noting that through joint efforts, the challenges of economic collapse and foreign-sponsored terrorism had been met effectively. He concluded with a prayer for continued blessings as the nation advances with unity and resolve on the path to peace and prosperity.