Islamabad, May 20 -- In a move widely viewed as an attempt to mask recent military and strategic failures, the Pakistani federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to Field Marshal.

The government cited his leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and the confrontation with India, labelled Marka-i-Haq, as grounds for the honour, Dawn reported.

Despite the military setbacks, Pakistan's government is projecting the outcome as a "historic victory," praising General Munir's leadership during the conflict.

General Asim Munir became only the second army officer in Pakistan's history to be elevated to Field Marshal.

Ayub Khan, Pakistan's president from 1958 to 1969, holds the distinction o...