ISLAMABAD, NOV 29: In a ceremony held at the military’s general headquarters in Rawalpindi, Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province, General Asim Munir assumed command as the 17th army chief on Tuesday.

General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the departing army chief, transferred the reins of command to Munir during a ceremony that was attended by high-ranking civilian and military officials, diplomats, and public officials.

Speaking at the occasion, Bajwa, who held the position for six years, expressed his optimism that the army and the nation will benefit from Munir’s appointment.

Thursday saw the appointment of Munir as the nation’s chief of army staff after President Arif Alvi accepted Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s nomination.

According to the nation’s constitution, he will continue to serve as army chief for a period of three years.

In September 2018, the new army commander received a promotion to the rank of three-star general. He continued to serve as the country’s Inter-Services Intelligence’s director general as well.(PHN)