Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir said on Thursday that the nation will “neither forgive nor forget” those involved in “desecrating memorials of martyrs and harming their dignity”.
The army chief’s remarks came the nation marks the Youm-i-Takreem Shuhada-i-Pakistan. Earlier this week, Gen Munir had condemned the attack on military installations and memorials on May 9 — when violent protests broke out in the country following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan — as intolerable and announced that tribute would be paid to the country’s martyrs today (May 25).
In this regard, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said a number of commemorative ceremonies were held at martyrs’ memorials. A ceremony was also held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi earlier in the day where COAS Munir and his predecessor, retired General Qamar Javed Bajwa, were in attendance.
According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) today, the army chief visited the Islamabad Police Lines where he was received by Police Inspector General Dr Akbar Nasir Khan.
The main ceremony was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi; however, numerous events — including commemorative ceremonies at the martyrs’ memorials and Quran recitation and prayers — have been organised across the country.
The gatherings aimed to serve as a platform for the nation to honour the courageous heroes and their indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication. Martyrs of the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Frontier Corps, Frontier Constabulary and other law enforcement agencies will be remembered.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir was the chief guest at the GHQ ceremony, which was also attended by military officials and civil society members.
Former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, Mufti Muneebur Rehman and Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad were also present on the occasion.
COAS promises to stand with children of martyrs
After the ceremony, the army chief met the school students and children of martyrs present on the occasion. He said that Pakistan Army was the heir of all children of martyrs. Thanks to the eternal sacrifices of the martyrs, the army’s relationship with them was ideal and eternal, he added.
He pledged on behalf of the armed forces that the army would stand on their side always.
Moreover, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, tri-services services chiefs, retired services officers and representatives of civil society also paid tributes to martyrs of Pakistan, a statement released by Inter-services Public Relations said.
They said the sacrifices of Shuhada are eternal and will continue to inspire future generations of countrymen.
“These sacrifices will never be forgotten, irrespective of vicious propaganda by the enemies of Pakistan,” it added.
According to ISPR, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, services chiefs, retired services officers and representatives of civil society also paid rich tributes to martyrs of Pakistan.
They said these sacrifices will never be forgotten, irrespective of vicious propaganda by the enemies of Pakistan, it stated.
May 25,2023
Source: The News International
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