Newly appointed Chief of Staff General Asim Munir officially Takes over as 17th Army chief of Pakistan.
Pakistan Army change of command ceremony held at GHQ Rawalpindi marking the time-honored tradition that symbolizes the seamless transition of the Military leadership.
The Outgoing Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa officially hand over the “Baton of Command” known as Command of Pakistan Army to newly appointed COAS General Asim Munir, who was chosen to lead the country’s sentinels by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on 24th November 2022.
The passing of the Baton from an outgoing COAS to an incoming one conveys the cardinal message to the troops the military leadership continues without a break in command.
With the change of command, Gen Munir has become the 17th army chief of the Pakistan Army. The baton was handed over to the new chief of army staff at a ceremony held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
General Bajwa, who was the chief guest, was presented guard of honour for the last time as the chief of army staff during the ceremony. Addressing the ceremony, the outgoing army chief congratulated his successor, Gen Asim Munir, for being promoted to the four-star rank and as the head of the army.
“I have full faith that under his leadership army will reach new heights and his appointment will prove to be a positive for the country,” said Gen Bajwa. He added that he was happy to know that he was retiring by handing the army to an able officer like Gen Munir.
The change of command ceremony marks the time-honored tradition that symbolizes the seamless transition of military leadership. The former military leadership was also present at the ceremony.
The ceremony was also attended by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu.
Before the ceremony, Gen Bajwa visited the Yadgar-e-Shuhda for the last time as chief of army staff. Gen Munir had accompanied him during the visit.
Gen Munir was chosen to lead the country’s army by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on November 24. The summary of his appointment was ratified by President Arif Alvi the same day.
General Asim Munir now officially becomes the 17th Army chief to assume the command of the Pakistan Army. In Today’s Change of Command Ceremony, Former Military leadership and other famous personality of Pakistan participate in the function at GHQ. Members of the cabinet including the Defence minister also witness the Change of Command ceremony.
Gen Asim Munir
Gen Munir was commissioned in the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment in 1986. He passed out with the 17th Officers Training course, Mangla and was awarded the coveted sword of honour.
He is currently posted as the quartermaster general at the General Head Quarters.
The army chief-designate graduated from Fuji school Japan, Command and Staff College, Quetta, Malaysian Armed Forces College, Kuala Lumpur and National Defence University, Islamabad.
The General also has M Phil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management from National Defence University. The quartermaster general was also posted as a directing staff in Command and Staff College, Quetta, brigade major of a deployed infantry brigade in Kel, general staff officer, grade-2, CGS secretariat and chief of staff of Mangla corps.
Gen Munir has commanded the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment, Infantry Brigade, remained as a force commander in Northern Areas, Gilgit and Corps Commander 30 Corps, Gujranwala.
The incoming army chief has also served as the director general of Military Intelligence. In 2018, Gen Munir was appointed as the director-general of the Inter-Services Intelligence. Following this, he was posted as corps commander Gujranwala for two years. After heading the Gujranwala corps he was posted at his present assignment at the GHQ.
Gen Munir will become the first army chief who has headed both the MI and the ISI. He will also be the first army chief awarded the Sword of Honour.
The army chief designate is a keen sportsman, avid reader, and traveler.
