Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said the decision to elevate Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal was made by him. The promotion recognized General Munir’s leadership during Pakistan’s recent military conflict with India and the successful execution of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
A Special Guard of Honour ceremony was held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to honor Field Marshal Munir following his elevation. The prime minister said he consults his elder brother and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif on important matters but the promotion was ultimately his decision.
Regarding talks with India, PM Shehbaz emphasized that war leads to loss for one side and victory for the other, and only lasting peace can ensure security. He said future discussions on terrorism would involve the national security advisers of both countries.
He noted that India has not agreed to third-country mediation but suggested that holding talks in a third country could be beneficial. The prime minister also accused Israel of extensively supporting India during the conflict, saying Israeli weapons were used by Indian forces in Srinagar and other areas.
PM Shehbaz outlined four key issues Pakistan would raise in any dialogue with India: Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism.
The recent military confrontation began after India’s unprovoked attacks on multiple Pakistani cities on the night of May 6-7. Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos on May 10, targeting several Indian military sites. Pakistan downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and dozens of drones.
The conflict lasted about 87 hours and ended with a US-brokered ceasefire on May 10. Indian strikes resulted in the deaths of 53 people in Pakistan, including 13 armed forces personnel and 40 civilians. The confrontation was triggered by an attack last month in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, with India blaming Pakistan without providing evidence.
