In a historic ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the ‘Baton of Field Marshal’ was conferred on Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir in recognition of his exemplary leadership and outstanding services to national defence.

The prestigious honour was jointly presented by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in the presence of the country’s civil and military leadership, political dignitaries, and foreign diplomats.

The ceremony commenced at 8pm, beginning with the national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran. It was attended by a high-profile gathering, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Federal cabinet members, services chiefs, provincial governors, parliamentarians, senior civil and military officials, and diplomats from various countries were also present at the solemn occasion.

COAS Asim Munir promoted to field marshal rank

President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz praised General Asim Munir’s “unmatched strategic foresight and unwavering commitment” in steering the nation through complex security challenges. The baton symbolises the highest military honour and is reserved for those whose leadership has fundamentally strengthened the country’s defence posture.

It is worth mentioning that the ceremony was originally scheduled for the previous day but was postponed at the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir in light of the Khuzdar terror attack, which claimed the lives of several civilians, including children.

The event marks a milestone in Pakistan’s military history, with Field Marshal Asim Munir now formally recognised as the country’s senior-most military figure, second after Field Marshal Ayub Khan.

Who is Field Marshal, what does constitution say about it?