Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir delivered a significant address on Monday, emphasizing the unwavering dedication of every soldier and officer in the armed forces, transcending regional, linguistic, and political biases.
Speaking at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, General Munir stressed that a strong army is the foundation for a nation’s security and unity.
During the ceremony, 51 officials were honored with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz (military) award, while 22 received the Tamgha-i-Basalat. Additionally, two officials were given special United Nations medals for their bravery during operations and meritorious service to the nation. Esteemed military officials and the families of fallen soldiers attended the event.
General Munir expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by the martyrs, acknowledging their sense of duty and selflessness. He described the sacrifices of the martyrs and the dedicated service of the officials as a valuable asset and a source of national pride.
Highlighting the disturbing and unacceptable attacks on military installations and martyrs’ monuments by enraged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters during the prolonged riots following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, General Munir stated that such actions were deeply saddening.
Furthermore, he declared May 25 as “Pakistan Martyrs Day” to honor the memory of those who laid down their lives for the nation.
The COAS’s remarks came in response to rumors of disunity within the military, which emerged during the violent demonstrations that subsided after Imran Khan’s release. The military swiftly dismissed these rumors, with Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry affirming that the army remained united under the leadership of General Asim Munir. He stated that despite attempts by internal and external adversaries, the army’s unity remained intact, and no resignations or disobedience of orders had taken place.
The ISPR declared May 9, 2023, the day when chaos gripped the nation following Imran Khan’s arrest, as a dark chapter in history due to the attacks on army installations. The military also announced that those responsible for vandalizing military facilities, including the Lahore Corps Commanders House and the GHQ entrance, would be prosecuted under the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act.
