India, May 21 -- Pakistan's Army chief general Asim Munir was on Tuesday promoted to the rank of field marshal for his apparent role in the recent conflict with India, making him the second senior military officer in Islamabad's history to be elevated to the position.

According to an official statement, the decision to promote Munir was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Army general Ayub Khan was the first such officer to be elevated to Pakistan's highest military rank in 1959.

"The Government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of Gen Asim Munir (Nishan-e-Imtiaz Military) to the rank of Field Marshal for ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy based on the high strategy and co...