ISLAMABAD, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's federal cabinet has approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Tuesday.
The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the statement said, adding that the promotion was approved "in recognition of the army chief's outstanding military leadership, courage, and efforts to ensure the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
The promotion follows the recent "Operation Bunyanun Marsoos" in response to an escalation of hostilities with India.
According to the statement, Munir led the armed forces "with exemplary courage and coordination," and the operation concluded with what officials called "a historic success."
Following the announcement, General Munir issued a statement through the military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), expressing gratitude for the honor.
He dedicated the promotion "to the entire nation, the Pakistan Armed Forces, and especially to the civil and military martyrs and veterans."
"This is not an individual honor but one for the Pakistan Armed Forces and the entire nation," he added.
Sharif also briefed President Asif Ali Zardari on the cabinet's decision, the PMO said.
The cabinet also approved the continuation of service for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and decided to confer national honors on military personnel, veterans, and civilians for their contributions during "Operation Bunyanun Marsoos." ■
