Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visits Gujranwala, Sialkot Garrisons, witnesses field training exercise Says modern warfare demands agility, precision, swift decision-making Army crowned champions as Field Marshal Asim Munir closes 35th National Games in Karachi Bilawal Bhutto Zardari says Pakistan’s military success over India was a national victory.
ISLAMABAD/KARACHI – Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS and CDF, visited Gujranwala and Sialkot Garrisons. Upon arrival, he was briefed on the formation’s operational readiness and key initiatives for strengthening combat preparedness.
According to a news release issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Field Marshal witnessed field training exercise and advanced simulator training facility, lauding the formation’s high professional standards and overall state of readiness. Emphasizing the significance of technological adaptability, he noted that modern warfare demands agility, precision, situational awareness and swift decision-making.
While interacting with officers and soldiers, the COAS & CDF lauded their high morale and steadfast commitment to national security while underscoring the importance of rigorous and mission-oriented training. He emphasized that Pakistan Army remains fully focused on both internal and external challenges, including hostile hybrid campaigns, extremist ideologies, and divisive elements seeking to undermine national stability.
Earlier on his arrival at Gujranwala, the COAS & CDF was received by Corps Commander Gujranwala.
The 35th National Games concluded in grand fashion on Saturday evening as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir formally declared the mega sporting event closed following a vibrant and star-studded ceremony at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.
The week-long celebration of sport, unity and national pride ended with the extinguishing of the ceremonial flame, symbolising not just the conclusion of competition but the reaffirmation of Pakistan’s collective spirit through athletics. The closing ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, senior military officials, sports administrators and hundreds of athletes from across the country.
Earlier, Pakistan Police clinched the Best Turnout Trophy, awarded for the most impressive march-past performance during the opening ceremony. Among provinces, Punjab, which delivered the strongest overall showing, received the Special Trophy, while Sindh was honoured with the Fairplay Trophy in recognition of exemplary sportsmanship throughout the Games.
The highlight of the evening came when Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, as chief guest, presented the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to the Pakistan Army, which once again emerged as the undisputed champions of the National Games.
WAPDA secured second place and was awarded the Syed Wajid Ali Trophy, while the Pakistan Navy, finishing third, received the President Pakistan Olympic Association Trophy.
Addressing the ceremony, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari described the National Games as far more than a sporting competition. “These Games were not merely a contest of speed, strength or skill; they were a celebration of Pakistan itself,” he said.
He added that athletes from Gilgit-Baltistan to Gwadar, Khyber to Karachi, and Lahore to Larkana competed proudly for their provinces while standing united under one national flag.
Bilawal said Sindh was honoured to host the prestigious event and paid glowing tribute to the athletes. “Whether you return home with medals or memories, you return as ambassadors of discipline, perseverance and national unity,” he remarked. “You have shown us what Pakistan’s youth can achieve when given opportunity and encouragement.”
Highlighting the broader impact of sports, he said values such as teamwork, resilience, respect for rules and courage were not merely athletic ideals but national virtues. Referring to the May conflict with India, the PPP chairman praised the armed forces for demonstrating professionalism, coordination and strength.
“Pakistan emerged victorious with its sovereignty defended and honour upheld. This was not only a military victory but a national one,” he said, calling it a reflection of unity between the people and the armed forces. “As these National Games conclude, may the friendships formed here endure and the unity displayed here continue to define our federation,” he concluded.
According to the final medal standings released by the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), the Pakistan Army topped the table with an extraordinary haul of 200 gold medals, along with 97 silver and 56 bronze medals. WAPDA finished second with 85 gold, 73 silver and 74 bronze medals, while the Pakistan Navy claimed third position with 36 gold, 39 silver and 35 bronze medals.
Among provinces, Punjab emerged as the most successful, securing 16 gold medals, followed by Sindh with 11, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with five, and Balochistan with four. The Islamabad Capital Territory finished 11th, winning two gold, five silver and 11 bronze medals. Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan remained the only contingents unable to secure a gold or silver medal, managing seven bronze medals each, and thus occupied the final two positions on the standings.
