President and PM confer baton of the Field Marshal on COAS Asim Munir

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday jointly conferred the baton of Field Marshal upon Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Army Staff during a special investiture ceremony at President House here.
The prime minister handed over the baton to Field Marshal Asim Munir during the ceremony.
Quaid of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Nawaz Sharif, federal cabinet ministers, governors, chief ministers, members of Parliament and services chiefs attended the ceremony.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were also in attendance.
In his remarks, the President said, “Today, we are gathered here to honour our valiant armed forces and heroes of the Army, Navy, and Air Force who defended the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our motherland against unprovoked Indian aggression. The entire nation is proud of all of you.”
“It is a matter of great pleasure for me to confer the baton of Field Marshal upon Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Nishan-e-Imtiaz Military in recognition of extraordinary service to Pakistan during this turbulent period, and with full confidence in his command and character.”
“I, as President of Pakistan, hereby promote General Syed Asim Munir to the full rank of Field Marshal and confer the baton of the Field Marshal. As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, I was more than happy to approve the conferment.”
“Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir may this baton remind you not only of the power vested in you but the duty to wield it wisely, humbly and justly. The nation has placed a sacred trust in you which comes with great responsibilities,” he continued.