In a ceremony steeped in tradition and national pride, a Special Guard of Honour was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Wednesday to honour Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, following his elevation to the highest military rank in Pakistan.
The event, held at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada within GHQ, saw Field Marshal Munir lay a floral wreath and offer Fateha in tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The ceremony was attended by senior military officials and dignitaries, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Field Marshal Munir’s promotion comes in recognition of his exceptional leadership during Pakistan’s recent military confrontation with India and his pivotal role in the successful execution of “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.” The federal government’s decision to elevate General Munir to field marshal was lauded by the Prime Minister’s Office, which praised his “exemplary courage and determination” and his comprehensive coordination of the armed forces’ war strategy.
In his remarks, Field Marshal Munir dedicated the honour to the people of Pakistan and paid special tribute to the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies, and civil veterans for their unwavering service and sacrifices. He reserved particular praise for the martyrs, describing them as “a wall of steel” who stood firm against Indian aggression.
“This honour is a tribute to the entire Pakistani nation and the valiant men and women of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, particularly the martyrs who stood like a wall of steel against Indian unprovoked, cowardly and unlawful aggression,” Field Marshal Munir stated.
The recent military confrontation was sparked by an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) last month, which left 26 tourists dead. India blamed Pakistan for the incident without providing evidence, leading to a dramatic escalation. On the night of May 6 and 7, Indian forces launched strikes on multiple Pakistani cities, prompting a swift and large-scale retaliatory response from Pakistan, codenamed “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.” Pakistani forces targeted several Indian military installations on May 10, downing six Indian fighter jets—including three Rafales—and dozens of drones.
The conflict, which lasted at least 87 hours, ended with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. Tragically, 53 Pakistanis, including 13 armed forces personnel and 40 civilians, were martyred during the hostilities.
