Earlier, General Mohammad Ayub Khan was conferred the rank of Field Marshal by the presidential cabinet.

Also read: Field Marshal dedicates honor to nation, Armed Forces of Pakistan

“The Government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir (Nishan-e-Imtiaz Military) to the rank of Field Marshal for ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy based on the high strategy and courageous leadership of the Battle of Truth, Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” the Prime Minister’s office said in a statement released on Tuesday.

It further said that COAS Munir led the army “with exemplary courage and determination and coordinated the war strategy and efforts of the armed forces in a comprehensive manner”.

“Thanks to the unparalleled leadership of the Army Chief, Pakistan achieved a historic victory in the war of justice,” the statement said.

It maintained, “In recognition of his outstanding military leadership, courage, and bravery, ensuring Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and courageous defence against the enemy, the Cabinet approved the Prime Minister’s proposal to promote General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.”

It added that PM Shehbaz met President Asif Ali Zardari and took him into confidence regarding this decision.