Gen Munir says martyrs are the nation’s identity and their families are a source of pride for Pakistan
By our correspondent/ISPR
RAWALPINDI: A solemn Defence and Martyrs Day ceremony was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Friday, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attending as the chief guest. Upon arrival, PM Shehbaz was presented with a guard of honour, and he was welcomed by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir. The prime minister laid a wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial and offered prayers in remembrance of the fallen heroes.
During the ceremony, a special video titled “Diary of a Martyr” was presented, featuring letters and final messages from several martyrs, including Captain Karnal Sher Khan and Captain Aziz Mehmood, who was martyred on August 11, 2024. The emotional tribute left many in the audience visibly moved, as the families of the martyrs expressed pride in their loved ones’ ultimate sacrifices for the nation. Messages from families of soldiers, including sepoy Sobhan, Lieutenant Jahangir Marri, and sepoy Waqas Ali, further underscored the unwavering commitment of those who laid down their lives in defence of Pakistan.
In his address, General Asim Munir paid tribute to the martyrs and reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army, alongside its people, would always defend the sovereignty of the nation. He declared that no enemy could defeat the unity and resilience of Pakistan, emphasizing that the bond between the military and the people is unbreakable. “The Pakistan Army and the people of Pakistan know how to defend their sovereignty and will never allow malicious intentions to succeed,” he stated.
The army chief acknowledged Pakistan’s long-standing battle against terrorism, particularly highlighting the immense sacrifices made by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan. He assured the nation that the fight against terrorism would continue until the last vestiges of the threat are eradicated.
General Munir also addressed ongoing national challenges, warning against attempts by foreign actors to incite discord within the country. He quoted the Quran, emphasizing that “fitnah (sedition) is worse than killing” and stressed that national unity is the key to Pakistan’s stability. The COAS highlighted several key successes, including the management of Pakistan’s western borders, the merger of tribal areas into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and development initiatives in K-P and Balochistan.
The army chief further touched on international issues, notably the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling it a matter of global importance. He expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people and condemned ongoing human rights violations by Indian forces. He also condemned Israeli aggression in Palestine, asserting that Pakistan would continue advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
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