RAWALPINDI – A historic Guard of Honour ceremony was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Monday in honor of Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The ceremony marked a major milestone in the country’s military history.
Field Marshal Asim Munir, who has been awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Hilal-e-Jurat, received the Guard of Honour from army, navy, and air force troops. Senior military officials, including Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, attended the event. The newly appointed CDF inspected the guard and received a formal salute.
This ceremony also celebrated Pakistan’s success in the historic Marka-e-Haq operation, where the country defeated India in a multi-domain operation. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) under Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu performed exceptionally, downing seven enemy aircraft, including four Rafale jets and an S-400 system. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Navy, led by Admiral Naveed Ashraf, successfully defended the nation’s maritime borders.
Earlier this month, the federal government appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as the first Chief of Defence Forces. His appointment was approved by President Asif Ali Zardari, following a summary from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Munir will also serve as the Chief of Army Staff. The new position aims to strengthen coordination among the armed forces.
The Ministry of Defence issued the official notification for the appointment soon after approval. The position of CDF was established under the 27th Constitutional Amendment to enhance inter-force coordination. Field Marshal Munir’s tenure, which will last five years, began immediately following the notification’s issuance.
