ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s General Asim Munir took over as the new chief of army staff (COAS) at a ceremony held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
Outgoing COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa passed the baton of command to Gen Munir, making the latter the country’s 17th army chief.
Gen Munir was selected by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to succeed Gen Bajwa last week, ending days of speculation over the appointment.
Prior to the ceremony, both Gen Bajwa and Gen Munir laid a wreath at the Yadgar-i-Shuhada (Monument to Martyrs) in GHQ and offered fateha.
The outgoing army chief, while addressing the ceremony, 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 News reported.
Gen Bajwa said that his journey in the army started 44 years ago and has ended today.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the army chief and assured full cooperation of the government in areas related to defence and security.
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Photo: Gen Asim Munir after taking charge of Pakistan Army’s command. — PTV
