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Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, has become the first in decades to receive Pakistan’s top military rank of Field Marshal in recognition of his service and leadership.
The Government of Pakistan awarded him the rank of Field Marshal in a historic move, which was praised by political leaders across the country.
In response, Asim Munir expressed his gratitude to Allah and dedicated the honor to the people of Pakistan, its armed forces, and especially to the martyrs and veterans of both civil and military services.
“I am grateful to Allah Almighty for receiving the Field Marshal’s honor,” he said. “This is not an individual honor but one for the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the entire nation.”
He added that the trust placed in him by the President, Prime Minister, and Cabinet was deeply appreciated.
“This honor is the trust of the nation, for which millions of Asims have sacrificed themselves,” he noted, symbolizing the sacrifices of Pakistani soldiers.
What is Field Marshal Rank?
Field Marshal (FM) is the highest and only five-star rank in the Pakistan Army, awarded by the Government of Pakistan to recognize extraordinary service by a Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
It stands above all other military ranks across the Pakistan Armed Forces, including General, Air Chief Marshal, and Admiral.
Despite being an authorized rank with an “Apex Scale” pay grade and NATO equivalence of OF-10, it is largely honorary and confers no additional powers or operational authority.
To date, only one officer – Muhammad Ayub Khan – has held the title, reportedly promoted in 1959. The rank is comparable to a fleet admiral and is considered a five-star general designation, mainly used to denote exceptional distinction.
