Tue May 20 14:19:48 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

This article from The Hindu reports that Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, has been promoted to Field Marshal by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet. The promotion is attributed to his leadership during a recent conflict with India. This is the first time in almost 60 years that a Pakistani general has been elevated to the role. The cabinet also extended the service of Pakistan Air Force chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu.

**News Article:**

**Pakistan Promotes Army Chief Munir to Field Marshal Amidst Tensions with India**

Islamabad – May 20, 2025 – Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal today in recognition of his leadership during a recent conflict with India. The decision, approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his cabinet, marks the first such promotion in nearly six decades.

State-run PTV reported that the promotion acknowledges Munir’s “strategic brilliance and courageous leadership that ensured national security and decisively defeated the enemy.” Prime Minister Sharif, in a statement released by his office, praised Munir’s role in the conflict.

According to a security official, the rank of Field Marshal is a ceremonial five-star rank usually awarded for extraordinary wartime achievements. The last time a Pakistani general was made Field Marshal was in 1965 when General Ayub Khan, then dictator, bestowed the title upon himself. The source clarified that Munir will retain his position as Army Chief despite the promotion.

In a related move, the cabinet also approved the extension of service for Pakistan Air Force chief, Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu. The length of the extension was not disclosed.

This decision comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following events such as “Operation Sindoor 2025” and the “Pahalgam terror attack 2025.” The promotion is likely to be viewed with scrutiny by India and international observers, as it underscores Pakistan’s commitment to its military leadership.

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