Pakistan observes ‘Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada’
Pakistan today on May 25 observes ‘Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada’ (Martyrs Reverence Day), a day of remembering and paying rich tribute to the martyrs who laid their lives while defending the motherland and its people.
Several commemorative ceremonies were held at the martyrs’ memorials to pay tribute to the martyrs, hailing from Pakistan Army, Rangers, Frontier Corps, Frontier Constabulary, Police, and other law enforcement agencies.
Marking the day, the main event was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir as the chief guest in attendance.
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 members of the society attended the ceremony.
While addressing an award ceremony at the GHQ Rawalpindi, COAS 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.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the ‘tragic’ events of May 9 a ‘wake-up call for us’
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a statement posted on Twitter, said, “Today the nation is solemnly observing Youm-i-Takreem Shuhada-i-Pakistan to pay its glowing tributes to our heroes, ghazis, and martyrs and express its unflinching solidarity with their families.”
“I don’t see the tragic incidents of May 9 as merely a protest that became violent. The designs of those who planned them were actually very sinister.
“There was a clear build-up to the shameful incidents, as the whole nation witnessed in utter disbelief and a state of shock how the lust of some people for power made them do what was never done before,” the PM said.
“By targeting, desecrating and destroying the monuments of shuhada, and attacking the very symbols of the state, the miscreants attacked the idea and identity of Pakistan and gave the enemies of the country reasons to celebrate,” the prime minister added.
“Our nation knows how to protect the honor of their martyrs. The tragic and heart-rending events of May 9 are a wake-up call for us. We have to identify and expose all such people who want to destroy the foundations of Pakistan. May 9 has drawn up a dividing line between the protectors and builders of Pakistan and those who wish to weaken it,” he said.
The prime minister added that today the nation revived and reiterated its pledge to uphold the honor and respect of the country’s martyrs.
“The essence of Pakistan’s existence lies in the spiritual covenant between its people and the martyrs. The creation of Pakistan is a miracle of the 20th century and its edifice stands on the sure foundation of their sacred blood. We will never be able to thank them enough,” he concluded.
Today the nation is solemnly observing Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan to pay its glowing tributes to our heroes, Ghazis, and martyrs and express its unflinching solidarity with their families.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 25, 2023
I don’t see the tragic incidents of May 9 as merely a protest that became…
President in his message says the entire nation proud of martyrs
President Dr. Arif Alvi said that today was being observed to pay tribute to the “unprecedented courage and sacrifices of our ancestors and personnel of our security forces who have rendered great sacrifices for the motherland”.
“The integrity and security of our country would not have been possible without their valuable services,” President Alvi said.
“The entire nation is proud of our valiant martyrs who displayed the spirit of patriotism and fearlessness in testing times throughout our history. Apart from defending the frontiers of the country, our security forces successfully defeated the menace of terrorism. Pakistan single-handedly contained the scourge of terrorism due to the bravery and sacrifices of its forces.
“We should not forget that even during natural calamities and pandemics, our security forces stood shoulder to shoulder with their people and provided timely relief and assistance to their fellow countrymen,” he said.
President Alvi further said that he regularly contacted the families of martyrs. “During my interactions with them, I feel proud of their spirit of patriotism towards the motherland. The entire nation acknowledges their contributions towards the defense of the nation and salutes them for laying down their lives for the motherland,” he said.
Mr President added that Pakistan was facing “various challenges” and unity was needed to overcome them.
“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,” he said.
صدر مملکت ڈاکٹر عارف علوی کا یوم تکریم شہداء پاکستان کے موقع پر پیغام۔#یوم_تکریم_شہداء_پاکستان pic.twitter.com/w16ZRPbRV8
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 25, 2023
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir announced to observe May 25 as “Pakistan Martyrs’ Day” and deplored May 9 attacks on army installations, monuments, and the desecration of memorials to martyrs, describing them as intolerable.
