Today (Thursday), the nation observes Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan (Martyrs Reverence Day) to recall and pay rich respect to the martyrs who laid down their lives while safeguarding the motherland and its people.
The major event was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, and the primary guest was General Asim Munir, primary of Army Staff (COAS). Rich tributes were paid to the martyrs throughout the occasion, and renowned people put flowers at the martyrs’ monuments.
Former army leader Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen (retd) Nadeem Raza, Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam, Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman, and other representatives of society attended the ceremony.
Aside from that, numerous events including Quran recitation and prayers have been held throughout the country. Several commemorative events will also be held at the martyrs’ memorials.
On Monday, COAS Asim Munir declared May 25 to be “Pakistan Martyrs’ Day” and condemned the May 9 attacks on army installations, monuments, and martyr memorials as “intolerable.”
During a speech at the GHQ Rawalpindi, he stated that “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 said.
President Alvi, and PM Shehbaz express pride over martyrs’ alliance
President Arif Alvi said in his speech that the entire nation was proud of its gallant warriors who demonstrated patriotism and fearlessness in difficult moments throughout history.
“The nation owes it to the heroism and sacrifices made by the jawans (soldiers) and officers of our armed forces, including the Pakistan Army, rangers, air force, navy, police, and other security institutions, who made Pakistan’s defence impregnable,” according to a press release issued by the President Secretariat Press Wing.
The president praised the military forces for their efforts in combating terrorism and supporting fellow citizens amid natural disasters and pandemics.
“Let us pledge on this day that we will never forget our valiant martyrs and reiterate our commitment to always honor them and express our undying love for these brave sons and daughters of the nation,” the statement continued.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked everyone, particularly youngsters, to visit victims’ monuments and cemeteries and shower flowers on them as a token of devotion and respect. He stated that Pakistan should demonstrate to the world that it is a nation that reveres and loves its martyrs.
He stated that Martyrs’ Day was marked to pay homage to the heroes and demonstrate unwavering support for their families.
“Our nation knows how to protect the honor of their martyrs. […] Today we revive and reiterate our pledge to uphold the honor 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.
Furthermore, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, tri-services service chiefs, retired service officers, and civil society members paid tribute to Pakistani martyrs, according to an Inter-Services Public Relations statement.
They claimed that the martyrs’ sacrifices are immortal and will continue to inspire future generations of countrymen.
“These sacrifices will never be forgotten, regardless of vicious propaganda by Pakistan’s enemies,” it continued.
