ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday conferred the baton of field marshal upon Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir during a special investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad.
The President and the Prime Minister honored Syed Asim Munir as the Chief of Field Marshal. The honor was given in recognition of his unparalleled leadership and services to national defense.
The ceremony to confer the baton of Field Marshal on Army Chief Asim Munir was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad, which was attended by foreign diplomats, civil and military officials.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President PML-N Mian Nawaz Sharif, members of the federal cabinet and the Army Chief were also present at the ceremony. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also attended the ceremony.
In addition to members of parliament, the Governor and Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, the Chief Ministers and Governors of all four provinces also attended the ceremony.
President Asif Ali Zardari said that conferring the title of Field Marshal to Syed Asim Munir is a proud moment. During the Battle of Haq, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir led from the front.
The entire nation stood by his forces against the enemy. Our strong response has proven our capability to the world. Pakistan is a peace advocate, but the desire for peace should not be considered a weakness. We know how to defend the beloved homeland.
The Prime Minister said in his speech on this occasion that we pay tribute to the services of the Field Marshal for the beloved homeland. Today is a historic and proud day.
We acknowledge the services of our heroes. Our military leadership achieved an unprecedented and historic victory against the enemy. By giving a strong and effective response, the enemy was forced to kneel.
The Pakistani army crushed the enemy’s pride. During the tense situation, Field Marshal Asim Munir’s spirit was exemplary. During Operation Banyan Marsus, Field Marshal Asim Munir played a leading role.
