The nation is observing ‘Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan’ on Thursday, to pay rich tribute to the martyrs who laid their lives while defending the motherland and its people.
The ceremony of Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir as the chief guest. During the ceremony, rich tributes were paid to the martyrs and prominent personalities laid flowers at the martyrs’ monument.
Also Read: Award distribution ceremony honoring Martyrs held at GHQ Rawalpindi
The ceremony was attended by Chief of Army, General Asim Munir, former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, former chairman joint chiefs of staff committee General (retd) Nadeem Raza, families of the martyrs, Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam, Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman, law enforcement personnel, students, teachers and other members of the society.
On Yaum-e-Takreem-e-Shuhada-e-Pakistan, CJCSC, Services Chiefs, representatives of civil society also pays rich tributes to shuhada of Pakistan.
“Shuhada e Pakistan are our heroes and a great asset, whose ultimate sacrifices can never be allowed to be demeaned or undermined by anyone. Pakistani nation takes pride and solemnly pledges to remain deeply indebted to them and their proud families. Shuhada were, are and will continue to be our pride, come what may.
Separate ceremonies were also held at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Pakistan Naval Headquarters.
Meanwhile, numerous events featuring Quran khwani and prayers are being organized throughout the country.
Nation Stands with Children’s of Martyrs
Following the Ceremony, the Army chief met the school students and children of martyrs present on the occasion. He said that Pakistan Army was the heir of all children of martyrs. Thanks to the eternal sacrifices of the martyrs, Army’s relationship with them was ideal and eternal, he added.
While addressing an award ceremony at the GHQ Rawalpindi, he said “every soldier and officer of the armed forces put his duty and responsibilities first regardless of regional, linguistic, and political prejudices and distinctions.”
“A strong army is the guarantor of a country’s security and unity,” he maintained.
President Alvi & Premier Sharif Pays tribute to Martyrs
In his message, President Arif Alvi said that the entire nation was proud of its valiant martyrs who displayed the spirit of patriotism and fearlessness in testing times throughout history.
“The nation owes to the heroism and sacrifices offered by the jawans (soldiers) and officers of our armed forces, including Pakistan Army, rangers, air force, navy, police, and other security institutions that made Pakistan’s defence impregnable,” a press release issued by President Secretariat Press Wing stated.
The president acknowledged the armed forces’ services for crushing the menace of terrorism and assisting the fellow countrymen during natural calamities and pandemic.
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif urged the people, especially the children, to visit monuments and graves of martyrs and shower flowers on them as a sign of affection and respect. He said Pakistan should show the world that it is a nation that holds its martyrs in veneration and affection.
He said that martyrs reverence day was being observed to pay glowing tribute to the heroes and express unflinching solidarity with their families.
In a detailed tweet, the prime minister regretted and condemned the May 9 violence and desecration of martyrs’ monuments, saying that the incidents gave the enemy a reason to celebrate.
“Our nation knows how to protect the honour of their martyrs. […] Today we revive and reiterate our pledge to uphold the honour and respect of our Shuhada. The essence of Pakistan’s existence lies in the spiritual covenant between its people and the martyrs,” PM wrote on Twitter.
