ISLAMABAD : 20 May 2025 – The federal cabinet of Pakistan has approved promotion of Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal for ensuring defence of the country and defeating the enemy. The cabinet also unanimously decided to extend the service of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu after his term in office ends. What is for the Naval Chief ? That has not been shared from any side.
The cabinet which met in Islamabad today with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair, took the decision on the proposal of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister met President Asif Ali Zardari and took him into confidence regarding the decision.
The federal cabinet also decided that officers and soldiers of Pakistan Armed Forces, ghazis, martyrs, and civilians from different fields will be awarded high government awards in recognition of their valuable services during Operation Banyanum marsoos.
The decision has sparked speculations in and around Pakistan as ;
Asim Munir will leave Army Chief post and another general will be appointed in his place. Like it was in case of General Ayub Khan who appointed General Musa Khan and then Gen Yahya Khan as COAS. Or Asim Munir is the commander in chief for life now.
Mentionable is , no such post exists in the constitution of Pakistan neither it is present in Army Act. Pakistan did not add this post in the most recent legislation on tenure , appointments and extension of services chiefs in Nov 2024.
The federal government notification said that the appointment has been made under Rule 199-A of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952. Rule 199-A applies only in cases where a serving or retired military officer, including the Chief of Army Staff, faces reappointment, extension or renewal of tenure. The rule does not mention any honorary or symbolic rank like “Field Marshal”.
Example in India : General Manik Shaw , the then Army Chief , when Pakistan was broken and East Pakistan became Bangladesh. He was decorated with the rank Field Marshal as he defeated Pakistan Army in the East and thus played key role in the separation of East Pakistan. He received the rank and soon after that got retirement.
The Federal cabinet paid tribute to Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir for his exemplary leadership in defeating the enemy and defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
The cabinet applauded the armed forces of Pakistan for serving a crushing blow to the enemy’s despicable attempt to violate the territorial integrity of the country.
The Prime Minister congratulated the entire Pakistani nation on the remarkable success of Operation Banyanum Marsoos during the Marka-e-Haq.
The title Field Marshal is the highest and only five-star military rank in the Pakistan Army, sitting above the rank of General.
Field Marshal is the highest rank in the military, an honorary position bestowed upon individuals for outstanding service.
While there’s no specific term length for a Field Marshal in the same way as for other military ranks, it’s a lifelong position.
The only person to hold this rank in Pakistan’s history was General Ayub Khan, who was promoted to Field Marshal in 1965. He remained in that position until his death. The rank is awarded by the President of Pakistan.
