Pakistan’s new military chief General Asim Munir took command of the country’s armed forces from outgoing chief Gen Bajwa at a change of command ceremony at the military headquarters held on November 29.
Gen Munir has replaced General Qamar Javed Bajwa who retired after completing a six-year tenure. He served in the military for 44 years.
General Asim Munir became the 17th army chief of the country as the outgoing commander Gen Bajwa passed the traditional “baton of command” to his successor.
“I have complete faith that under his [Gen Munir’s] leadership, the army will set new benchmarks of success,” Gen Bajwa said in his farewell speech at the army’s headquarters in Rawalpindi. “God willing, his appointment will prove to be positive for the army and the country.”
Gen Munir takes up his position at a time when the country is experiencing a deepening political rift and economic crisis. One of the key challenges will be his response to the latest threat from the banned militant organization TTP.
Who is Gen Asim Munir?
Gen Syed Asim Munir was until recently posted as the quartermaster general at the General Headquarters (GHQ).
He has served as chief of the country’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as well as military intelligence.
He entered the service from the Officers Training School in Mangla. Gen Munir has commanded 23 Frontier Force Regiment and Force Command Northern Areas and was also the Gujranwala Corps commander. He was promoted to the rank of a three-star general in September 2018.
He has received several awards including the country’s second-highest award, Hilal-i-Imtiaz. He is hailed as Pakistan’s first army chief who was awarded the prestigious sword of honor.