Gen Bajwa hands over baton of command to Gen Asim Munir

Gen Bajwa said that his journey in the army started 44 years ago and has ended today.

Gen Bajwa hands over baton of command to Gen Asim Munir. General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday handed over the command of the Pakistan Army to his successor General Asim Munir.

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.

The change of command ceremony marks the time-honoured tradition that symbolises the seamless transition of military leadership.

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.

More From FactFile: In farewell meeting, PM Shehbaz thanks COAS Bajwa for tackling Pakistan’s ‘crises’

“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.

Gen Bajwa said that his journey in the army started 44 years ago and has ended today.

“I am thankful to Allah that he not only gave me an opportunity to work in the courageous and great army but also honoured me to command this army,” he said.

The ceremony was also attended by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal  Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu. The former military leadership was also present at the ceremony.

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.

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.

Before taking charge he was posted as the quartermaster general at the General Head Quarters.

Before taking charge as COAS, Gen Munir 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.

The incoming army chief has also served as the director general of Military Intelligence (MI).

In 2018, Gen Munir was appointed as the director-general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and later transferred as corps commander Gujranwala.

After heading the Gujranwala corps, he was posted as quartermaster general which was his last assignment before becoming COAS.

Gen Munir 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.

Gen Munir has become the first army chief who has headed both — MI and ISI. He is also the first army chief awarded the Sword of Honour.

Gen Munir is a keen sportsman, avid reader, traveller and also a Hafiz e Quran.