Nation observes martyrs reverence day, paying tribute to fallen heroes

Today (Thursday), the nation solemnly observes Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan (Martyrs Reverence Day) to remember and honor the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives while defending the motherland and its people.

The main event took place at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir as the chief guest. The ceremony was marked by heartfelt tributes to the martyrs, with prominent personalities laying flowers at the martyrs’ monuments.

Distinguished attendees included former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, former chairman joint chiefs of staff committee Gen (retd) Nadeem Raza, Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam, Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman, and other notable members of society.

Additionally, numerous events featuring Quran recitation and prayers have been organized throughout the country. Commemorative ceremonies will also be held at various martyrs’ memorials to honour their sacrifices.

Earlier this week, COAS Asim Munir declared May 25 as “Pakistan Martyrs’ Day” and strongly condemned the attacks on army installations, monuments, and the desecration of memorials to martyrs that occurred on May 9. He labeled these actions as unacceptable and stressed the unity and dedication displayed by soldiers and officers regardless of regional, linguistic, and political differences.

“A strong army is the guarantor of a country’s security and unity,” he emphasized during an award ceremony at GHQ Rawalpindi.

President Arif Alvi, in his message, expressed pride in the nation’s valiant martyrs, highlighting their unwavering spirit of patriotism and fearlessness in challenging times throughout history. The president acknowledged the armed forces’ services in combating terrorism and providing assistance during natural disasters and the pandemic.

On this day, President Alvi urged the nation to never forget the heroic sacrifices of the soldiers and officers, including those from the Pakistan Army, rangers, air force, navy, police, and other security institutions. He called for a commitment to honor and love these brave sons and daughters of the nation.

Similarly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif encouraged the people, particularly children, to visit the monuments and graves of the martyrs and pay tribute by showering them with flowers as a gesture of affection and respect. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating to the world that Pakistan holds its martyrs in high regard.

PM Sharif condemned the violence and desecration of martyrs’ monuments on May 9, expressing regret over the incidents and noting that they provided an opportunity for the enemy to celebrate. In a tweet, he reaffirmed the nation’s pledge to uphold the honor and respect of the martyrs, emphasizing that the essence of Pakistan’s existence lies in the sacred bond between its people and the martyrs.

The chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, tri-services chiefs, retired services officers, and representatives of civil society also paid tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan, acknowledging their eternal sacrifices that continue to inspire future generations. They denounced the propaganda spread by the enemies of Pakistan, affirming that the sacrifices of the martyrs will forever be remembered.