ISLAMABAD – Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir has been conferred with the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class for his distinguished efforts to enhance our cooperation and advance the Saudi-Pakistani relations.
Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman shared the development on social media platform X, stating: “Upon the directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, I presented Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, with the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class”.
During the meeting, the defence minister congratulated him on his appointment as Chief of Defense Forces and reviewed historical bilateral relations and strategic defense cooperation.
Upon the directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, I presented Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, with the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class for his distinguished efforts to enhance our cooperation and advance the Saudi-Pakistani relations. pic.twitter.com/bWHL08TKuz
— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) December 21, 2025
“We also discussed efforts to promote international peace and security, as well as other topics of mutual interest,” the Saudi minister said.
ISPR Statement
Field Marshal Asim Munir called on Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during his official visit to the Kingdom.
During the meeting, both sides held discussions on matters of mutual interest, including regional security dynamics, defence and military cooperation, strategic collaboration, and evolving geopolitical challenges. The interaction reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Under a Royal Decree issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s highest national honour was also conferred upon the Field Marshal.
The honour recognizes Field Marshal Asim Munir’s 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. It also reflects his contributions toward regional peace and stability, including sustained collaboration in counter-terrorism and security.
The Saudi leadership conveyed its appreciation for Field Marshal Asim Munir’s professionalism and strategic outlook, noting his commitment to strengthening the longstanding, brotherly ties between the two countries
Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi leadership for the honour, describing it as a reflection of the enduring bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security, stability, and prosperity of the Kingdom.
The conferment of the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class underscores the depth of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations and the shared determination of both nations to further strengthen strategic cooperation in pursuit of regional and global peace.
Field Marshal Munir Notified as Pakistan’s First CDF
On December 5, the Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence officially notified Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first chief of defence forces (CDF).
“In exercise of the powers conferred under Article 243 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, read with Section 8A of the Pakistan Army Act, the president on the advice of the prime minister, is pleased to appoint Field Marshal Asim Munir (NI) M as the chief of army staff, concurrently the chief of defence forces for a tenure of five years,” the notification stated.
