Field Marshal Asim Munir Receives Turkish Armed Forces Top Military Service Medal in Ankara

ANKARA - Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has been awarded the Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Distinguished Service - Türkiye's highest military honour - during his official visit to Ankara.

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Field Marshal Asim Munir Receives Turkish Armed Forces Top Military Service Medal in Ankara.

Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is the only global military leader to have received the highest military honours from more than 10 countries. pic.twitter.com/i9xe6VymCp

- Zard si Gana (@ZardSi) July 13, 2026

The prestigious award was conferred by General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Chief of the Turkish General Staff, in recognition of Field Marshal Munir's exceptional contributions to strengthening defence cooperation, expanding military collaboration, and reinforcing the longstanding brotherly relationship between the armed forces of Pakistan and Türkiye.

A Historic Visit

Field Marshal Munir received a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon his arrival in Ankara. In a significant diplomatic gesture, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan personally welcomed the Pakistani military chief at Ankara Airport, reflecting the strategic depth of relations between the two nations.

During his engagements, Field Marshal Munir also held a key meeting with President Erdoğan, focusing on bilateral relations, defence cooperation, regional security, and matters of mutual interest. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding strategic and military ties between Pakistan and Türkiye.

A Legacy of Global Recognition

The Turkish honour adds yet another distinction to Field Marshal Munir's growing international profile. With this award, he has reportedly received the highest military honours from more than ten countries, making him one of the world's most decorated serving military leaders.

Saudi Arabia conferred upon him the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class - the Kingdom's highest national honour - during his official visit to Riyadh in December 2025. The medal was presented by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud under a Royal Decree issued by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The honour recognised his "distinguished military service and leadership," as well as his central role in advancing defence cooperation, strategic coordination, and institutional linkages between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

A Unique Place in Military History

Field Marshal Munir holds a unique place in Pakistan's military history. He is the second officer in Pakistan's history to be promoted to Field Marshal, the highest honorary military rank. Only former president Mohammad Ayub Khan held the rank before him, having been awarded it in 1959.

He holds the distinction of being the only COAS to have led both the Military Intelligence (MI) and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He is also the first army chief to be awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour.

His promotion to Field Marshal was approved by the federal government following Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, Pakistan's successful military operation against India, which the government described as having been executed with "high strategy and courageous leadership".