President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have jointly conferred the baton of Field Marshal upon Chief of the Army Staff ,Syed Asim Munir, during a special investiture ceremony in Islamabad.

Members of federal cabinet, Chairman Pakistan People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif, provincial chief ministers, governors, services chiefs, diplomats, civil and military officers attended the ceremony.

The government had approved promotion of Army Chief Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal in recognition of his services for ensuring defence of the country, and defeating the enemy through his courageous leadership and exceptional strategy during Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. 

Addressing the ceremony, President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated that Pakistan is a peace-loving nation, which believes in peaceful co-existence, but its desire for peace must not be mistaken for its weakness.    

The President said the entire nation is proud of its valiant armed forces, who defended sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland against unprovoked Indian aggression.

He said Pakistani nation and armed forces stood united in the face of enemy's aggression, and presented a united front.  Asif Ali Zardari said the world has witnessed our strength and resilience.

He said we will not tolerate any attack on our soil and if needed we will fight for every inch in the air, sea, rivers, jungles and deserts.                                              

In his address on the occasion, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan's befitting response to Indian aggression will always be remembered in history as an outstanding military, diplomatic and moral triumph.                     

Paying tribute to Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Prime Minister said at the heart of Pakistan's successful campaign Marka-e-Haq, lays the bold and fearless leadership of Syed Asim Munir who led our armed forces with great sagacity and indomitable resolve.              

The Prime Minister said Syed Asim Munir's command during Bunyanum Marsoos not only thwarted nefarious designs of the enemy but also re-wrote the history of warfare that shall continue to inspire generations to come.                

He said Syed Asim Munir led Pakistan's brave armed forces to a remarkable victory against an enemy that was caught in its own web of arrogance and hubris.                   

Referring to the exemplary coordination between political and military leadership of Pakistan, the Prime Minister said through our joint efforts, the challenge of economic collapse and threat of foreign sponsored terrorism has been met most effectively.

He prayed that may Allah continue to bless us as we march forward with same unity and resolve on the path to peace and prosperity.