RAWALPINDI: Change of Command ceremony for Chief of Army Staff took place at GHQ in Rawalpindi, where General Asim Munir assumed command of Pakistan Army. General Qamar Javed Bajwa was presented farewell salute after he passed baton of command to Gen Asim Munir. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, senior serving and retired officers, diplomats as well as government functionaries were in attendance.

Addressing ceremony prior to handing over baton of command to Gen Munir, outgoing COAS congratulated Gen Munir on being appointed his successor and hoped his promotion would be cause for progress of country and Army. He said that his association with Gen Munir goes back 24 years. "In addition to being Hafiz-i-Quran, he is a professional, capable and principled officer. I am certain that under his leadership Army will reach new heights of success."

Reflecting on his military career, Gen Bajwa said journey which began several decades ago was now coming to an end.

"I am thankful to God that he gave me opportunity to work for this great Army and gave me opportunity to lead it," he said. Gen Bajwa said that Army's sacrifices were acknowledged by country's friends and foes. "I am proud of my Army that despite scarce resources, they defend country's boundaries from ice-capped mountains of Siachen to deserts of Thar."

Prior to ceremony, both Gen Bajwa and Gen Munir laid wreath at Yadgar-i-Shuhada in GHQ and offered fateha.

Gen Munir entered service via Officers Training School programme in Mangla and was commissioned into 23rd Battalion of Frontier Force Regiment. Gen Munir commanded troops in Force Command Northern Areas as Brigadier under Gen Bajwa, who was then Commander X Corps. He was appointed DG of Military Intelligence in early 2017 and then ISI Director General in October 2018. Eight months later, Gen Munir was posted Gujranwala Corps Commander. He was moved to GHQ as Quartermaster General two years later.

Gen Asim Munir is recipient of Sword of Honour from 17th course of Officers Training School in Mangla. Also, he is recipient of Hilal-i-Imtiaz. He is 'Hafiz-e-Quran' who memorised Quran during his posting in Saudi Arabia as Lt Colonel.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif heaped praise on newly elected Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. During telephonic conversation with new COAS, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his best wishes for Asim Munir and said, "It is blessing from Allah Almighty to have Chief like you".

Prime Minister added that he has full confidence in him. He said that leadership of COAS General Munir will pave way for strengthening country's defense and increasing professional capabilities of Pak Army. He said, "May Allah help and guide you in meeting security challenges including protection and security of motherland and eradicating menace of terrorism." For wishing him 'all best', COAS Asim Munir expressed his gratitude to PM Shehbaz.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 30 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.