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GOVT PROMOTES COAS TO FIELD MARSHAL RANK, RETAINS AIR CHIEF’S SERVICES Wednesday, 21 May, 2025 I 23 Ziquad, 1446
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 314 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
g GOVT UNANIMOUSLY DECIDES TO CABINET RECOGNIZES GEN MUNIR’S EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP, STRATEGIC BRILLIANCE CONTINUE SERVICES OF AIR CHIEF DURING OPERATION BUNYANUM MARSOOS MARSHAL AFTER HIS TERM ENDS
DEFENCE MINISTRY NOTIFIES GEN MUNIR’S PROMOTION WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT UNDER ‘RULE 199-A OF THE PAKISTAN ARMY REGULATIONS (RULES), 1998’
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ISLAMABAD
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COAS DEDICATES ACHIEVEMENT TO ‘NATION, ARMED FORCES, ESPECIALLY CIVIL AND MILITARY MARTYRS AND VETERANS’
SALEEM JADOON
HE Federal Cabinet on Tuesday approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to the prestigious rank of Field Marshal, recognizing his exceptional leadership and strategic brilliance during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos that led to a decisive defeat of the enemy during the Marka-e-Haq. The government also unanimously decided to continue the services of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu after his term ends, said a statement issued from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Tuesday. The PMO statement, however, did not mention “for how long Air Chief Sidhu’s job would be extended, nor did it say whether Munir’s promotion to the rank of field marshal would mean that he has no retirement date.” Later, the Ministry of Defence notified COAS Gen Syed Asim Munir’s promotion to the position with immediate effect under “Rule 199-A of the Pakistan Army Regulations (Rules), 1998”. The rank of field marshal is the highest rank of armies built on the pattern of the British Army. It has only been awarded to one other — General Mohammad Ayub Khan — by the presiden-
tial cabinet in 1959. It is a ceremonial five-star rank that usually signifies extraordinary leadership and wartime achievement. The Federal Cabinet met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, lauded the operation as a monumental success in the nation’s history, lauding the Armed Forces for their coordinated and courageous response to Indian aggression during the nights of May 6 and 7, 2025, according to a PM Office press release.
Dar, Chinese FM reaffirm strategic partnership, CPEC Phase-II rollout BEIJING
STAFF REPORT
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is holding a series of high-stakes meetings in Beijing this week as Pakistan and China deepen their strategic partnership against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions, particularly the military standoff with India. At the center of the visit is the Fifth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, where Dar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi reaffirmed the “ironclad” friendship and vowed to upgrade bilateral cooperation under CPEC Phase-II and beyond. Both leaders expressed strong alignment on regional issues and pledged coordinated efforts for peace, development, and strategic stability in South Asia. In the wake of the recent cross-border hostilities — including Indian air strikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir and Pakistan’s downing of five Indian fighter jets — the visit has taken on added urgency. Dar and Wang discussed the rapidly evolving situation in Kashmir and the broader region. China reiterated its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while both sides rejected unilateral actions that destabilize regional peace. Dar’s engagements in Beijing are wide-ranging. In meetings with Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, discussions focused on economic revitalization, Chinese investments, and long-term strategic planning. With Finance Minister Lan Fo’an, the Deputy PM reviewed Pakistan’s financial outlook, including measures to stabilize macroeconomic conditions and improve investor confidence. The DPM also met with Minister Liu Jianchao of the Communist Party’s International Department, where they emphasized strengthening party-to-party ties to support broader bilateral relations.
The Cabinet also decided to retain the service of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu upon completion of his tenure, recognizing his significant contributions to Pakistan’s air defence. The meeting recalled that India launched an unprovoked and unjustified war, targeting civilian areas and inflicting casualties among innocent men, women, and children. “The government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir (Nishan-i-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 during Marka-eHaq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” the PMO said after a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Recalling the events of the military conflict with India, the statement 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”. It added: “Thanks to the unparalleled leadership of the army chief, Pakistan achieved a historic victory in Marka-eHaq. “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 was also decided that officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, war veterans, martyrs and citizens belonging to various sectors would be awarded high government awards in recognition of their valuable services during the operation, the statement said.
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Pakistan, China together for regional peace, united against terrorism: ISPR RAWALPINDI
Pakistan’s response to Indian aggression was ‘measured and proportionate’, says Amb Asim NEW YORK
STAFF REPORT
Pakistani Ambassador to United Nation, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad declared that Pakistan’s response to the recent Indian aggression was “measured and proportionate.” “Indian actions, including the unilateral suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, were provocative and escalatory, and in gross violation of international law and the UN Charter”, Ambassador stated while briefing his counterparts of the Arab Group on the prevailing situation in the region. Pakistan, he said, had acted in exercise of its right to self-defence under the UN Charter, and will abide by the May 10 ceasefire between the two South Asian neighbours, according to a press release of the Pakistani Mission. He expressed Pakistan’s commitment to upholding the ceasefire and taking all necessary steps towards de-escalation and regional stability. The Pakistani envoy pointed out that rhetoric from the Indian leaders was inflammatory. At the same time, he made it categorically clear that there can’t be lasting peace in South Asia without resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with the UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiris. Ambassador Asim thanked the Arab Group for their understanding of Pakistan’s position during the recent stand-off, the press release added. Pakistan backs UN chief’s plan for world body’s restructuring Meanwhile, Pakistan threw its weight behind UN Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative aimed at enhancing the word body’s effectiveness, emphasizing that it core mandate of maintaining world peace & security must remain paramount.
Islamabad, New Delhi agree to withdraw troops by May-end ISLAMABAD AGENCIES
STAFF REPORT
Inter-Services Public Relations Director General (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Tuesday that both Pakistan and China are working together for regional peace while remaining united in the fight against terrorism. He made these remarks in an exclusive interview with the China Media Group. “Prosperity always comes through peace and stability,” he added. He further said, “After Allah, we rely most on ourselves. When our determination is firm as we have already demonstrated and the international community also plays its role.” Talking about global dynamics, he stated that all nations today face major challenges, including climate change and population growth. He went on to say, “Major countries have big visions as the world is focusing on the progress of humanity.”
Slamming India’s hegemonic behavior, he said, “In such times, should one country attack another based on baseless accusations and false narratives? Should a nation try to impose its dominance on neighboring states?” “Terrorism’s aim is to halt progress. The world must recognise the development China has achieved in a short time despite its large population. The people of Pakistan too aspire to move toward growth
and stability,” he maintained. “The Pakistani nation has never bowed down in the past, nor will it ever. Martyrdom is an honor for us, greater than life itself whether one wears blue, white, or khaki,” he reaffirmed. Responding to questions about the possibility of escalating conflict following the recent ceasefire, Lt-Gen Chaudhry said, “Pakistan relies first and foremost on Allah and then on ourselves.”
Pakistan and India have agreed to withdraw troop reinforcements deployed during their recent conflict back to their peacetime positions by the end of May, a senior Pakistani security official told AFP on Tuesday. More than 70 people were killed in the four-day standoff, involving missiles, drones and airstrikes, sparked by an attack on tourists by gunmen in Indianoccupied Kashmir last month that New Delhi accused Islamabad of backing, without any evidence, which the latter denied and instead offered a transparent, credible and neutral investigation into the incident. The military confrontation involving intense tit-for-tat drone, missile, aerial combat and artillery exchanges came to an abrupt end after US President Donald Trump announced a surprise ceasefire, which is still holding. “Troops will be withdrawn to pre-conflict positions by the end of May,” the senior security official told AFP on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media. The official said both countries agreed a phased withdrawal of the additional troops and weaponry deployed, mostly on the already heavily militarised de facto border in Kashmir, known as the Line of Control (LoC). It comes after the Indian army last week said both sides agreed to take “immediate measures to ensure troop reduction from the borders and forward areas”. “All of these steps were initially planned to be completed within 10 days, but minor issues caused delays,” the Pakistani official added.
Chinese envoy lauds ‘unmatched operational excellence’ of PAF in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos RAWALPINDI
MIAN ABRAR
Chinese Ambassador Mr. Jiang Zaidong Tuesday lauded the unmatched operational excellence demonstrated by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) personnel during the recent standoff on the eastern front, terming it a reflection of PAF’s high standards and unwavering commitment to national defence. The comments were made as Chinese envoy called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, during his visit to Air Headquarters, Islamabad. Both dignitaries engaged in a comprehensive and in-depth discussion on a range of matters including corporate-level engagements, defence cooperation and the evolving geostrategic environment in the region. They underscored the importance of cohesive and collaborative approaches in responding to emerging challenges, emphasizing the ne-
cessity of maintaining peak operational readiness and swift coordination amidst the prevailing regional security dynamics. The Air Chief extended a gracious welcome to the distinguished guest, reiterating that Pakistan and China enjoy historic and time-tested ties rooted in mutual trust, strategic convergence and shared aspirations for regional peace & stability. He described the two nations as “Iron Brothers,” emphasizing that their bond has only strengthened over the decades and will continue to deepen through future cooperation and partnership. Chief of the Air Staff expressed his profound gratitude to China for its continued support and unwavering friendship. He also commended China’s role in assisting Pakistan’s defence modernization and technological advancement especially in areas of human resource development, technology transfer and collaborative research & development. Both the dignitaries reaffirmed their
pledge to institutionalize regular high-level exchanges through expanded joint operational exercises and exploration of multilateral frameworks that bolster collective response mechanisms to emerging threats. The Chinese Ambassador praised Pakistan Air Force for its exemplary professionalism and commendable utilization of Chinese-origin equipment & technology to thwart enemy aggression. The dignitary also acknowledged PAF’s operational effectiveness and strategic acumen in employing indigenous solutions and advanced systems to safeguard national interests and deter potential threats under the current leadership. Reaffirming China’s enduring support, the Ambassador assured full technical assistance to PAF in order to bolster its aerial defence capabilities. He also lauded Pakistan’s commitment to self-reliance and emphasized that PAF’s investment in indigenous processes had begun to yield promising results. He stressed
that continued focus on homegrown technological development would further elevate the country’s defence capabilities. This meeting stands as a testament to the
shared resolve of Pakistan and China to advance their time-tested strategic partnership through deepened cooperation and innovation-driven collaboration.