ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders paid tributes to martyrs who laid down their lives for the security and dignity of the nation.
“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 stated as Pakistan observed a “Martyrs Respect Day” as announced by Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir on May 23 in the wake of the May 9 arson attacks on military installations.
The president acknowledged the armed forces’ services for crushing the menace of terrorism and assisting the fellow countrymen during natural calamities and pandemic.
“Let us pledge on this day that we will never forget our valiant martyrs and reiterate our commitment to always honour them and express our undying love for these brave sons and daughters of the nation,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, PM Sharif urged the nation, especially 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 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.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir attended a ceremony held at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada at the General Head Quarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
Former COAS Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, other military officers, families of the martyrs, Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam, Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman and other officials were also present at the event.
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