ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified on Wednesday that the decision to promote Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal was made by the civilian government, following consultations with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
“This was not the army’s decision. It was a collective decision taken by the civilian leadership after careful deliberation,” the prime minister told senior journalists during an informal media briefing in Islamabad.
Pakistan, India Agree to Return to Peacetime Posture
PM Shehbaz also confirmed that the directors general of military operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India had reached an understanding to revert to a peacetime posture, following a recent ceasefire agreement reportedly requested by New Delhi.
He said further dialogue was underway, and security advisers from both countries are expected to meet at a neutral venue in the coming days. Pakistan intends to raise four key issues in these talks: Kashmir, water resources, bilateral trade, and terrorism.
The prime minister accused Indian intelligence agencies of backing the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), claiming that concrete evidence of their involvement would be presented to the international community. He further alleged that Israeli weapons and military advisers had supported India during the recent clashes with Pakistan, with their use reportedly verified in Srinagar and other conflict zones.
“Our friendly nations — China, Turkey, and others — stood firmly with Pakistan in this hour,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that both the US President and Secretary of State played pivotal roles in brokering the ceasefire.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, he stated,
“We seek peace and stability — not destruction. The ceasefire is purely in the interest of peace.”
He praised the unity of the nation and the coordination between civilian and military leadership during the crisis.
“Our beloved homeland has triumphed. The enemy has been dealt a significant blow,” he declared, urging the nation to remain united as Pakistan navigates complex regional challenges.
“May Allah bless Pakistan with greater victories,” he concluded.
PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Asim Munir Visit Quetta After Khuzdar Attack
Later in the evening, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir traveled to Quetta on an emergency visit in response to the terrorist bombing of a school bus in Khuzdar, which claimed the lives of five people, including three children.
They were accompanied by federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Mohsin Naqvi, and Attaullah Tarar, and were received by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti along with senior provincial officials.
The prime minister and field marshal are scheduled to attend high-level security briefings and will review updates on the ongoing investigation into the attack. They will also visit hospitals to meet the injured victims and extend condolences and support to affected families.
In light of the national tragedy, a ceremony scheduled at the President’s House in Islamabad to formally honour Field Marshal Asim Munir has been postponed at the field marshal’s own request. He opted to prioritize solidarity with the victims and the security situation in Balochistan.
