Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the nation and military leadership for what he called a “resounding success” in the recent conflict with India, as the federal cabinet approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.
The decision was made during a high-level cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on Tuesday, where ministers praised the operational success of Operation Bunyanum Mursoos, calling it a historic victory that thwarted Indian aggression and safeguarded national sovereignty.
“I extend heartfelt congratulations to the entire Pakistani nation on the brilliant success of Operation Bunyanum Mursoos and the failure of enemy designs,” said PM Shehbaz.
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت وفاقی کابینہ کے اجلاس میں اہم فیصلے
وزیرِ اعظم کی پوری پاکستانی قوم کو معرکہ حق کے دوران آپریشن بنیان مرصوص کی شاندار کامیابی اور دشمن کے عزائم خاک میں ملانے پر مبارکباد.
حکومت پاکستان کی جانب سے معرکہ حق، آپریشن بنیان مرصوص کی اعلیٰ حکمتِ… pic.twitter.com/1PvKzDEkFC
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 20, 2025
The cabinet recounted that on the night of 6 and 7 May 2025, India launched an “unprovoked and unjustified” assault on Pakistan, targeting civilian areas, including women and children.
“The Indian military’s attack was a blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the cabinet noted.
The armed forces, under General Munir’s leadership, responded with exemplary courage and coordination, said statement.
The Prime Minister lauded COAS Asim Munir for demonstrating “exceptional military leadership, bravery, and strategic command.”
In recognition of his gallant defence of the homeland and leadership that ensured Pakistan’s sovereignty, the cabinet has approved PM Shehbaz’s recommendation to promote General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت وفاقی کابینہ کے اجلاس میں اہم فیصلے
1/3 pic.twitter.com/vwhcPjDfUv
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 20, 2025
The Prime Minister also met President Asif Ali Zardari to formally brief him on the cabinet’s decision.
The cabinet further announced that Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu will continue his services beyond his scheduled retirement, a move approved unanimously.
In addition, the government will confer national awards on officers, soldiers, war veterans, martyrs, and civilians who played a vital role during the operation.
The cabinet described the armed forces’ unity and performance as a “golden chapter” in Pakistan’s defence history, asserting that the recent events had reaffirmed national resolve and military readiness.
Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed deep gratitude to Allah Almighty upon being conferred the rank of Field Marshal, dedicating the honour to the entire nation, the Pakistan Armed Forces, and especially to the martyrs and veterans—both civil and military.
“This is not a personal achievement, but a tribute to the armed forces and the people of Pakistan,” said Field Marshal Munir in a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
He extended thanks to the President, Prime Minister, and the federal cabinet for their trust, emphasising that the honour is a national trust that demands the highest sacrifice.
“Millions of Asims are ready to lay down their lives to uphold it,” he added.
President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and services chiefs extended their congratulations to General Syed Asim Munir on his elevation to the rank of Field Marshal.
Pakistan-India recent conflict
The latest escalation between Pakistan and India began on April 22, when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the Indian blame.
In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day on April 23, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other’s embassies.
Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.
Read More: French intelligence official confirms downing of Rafale by Pakistan
In a swift military response, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets. The confrontation intensified again in the early hours of May 10, when India targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets.
On May 10, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.