Pakistan marks Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan (Martyrs’ Reverence Day) as the nation comes together to commemorate and honor those who sacrificed to defend the country and its citizens.
The primary commemoration took place at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, presided over by the Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.
The event saw luminaries paying tribute to the fallen, with high-profile figures laying floral wreaths at the martyrs’ monument. Among them were former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, ex-chairman of joint chiefs of staff committee Gen (retd) Nadeem Raza, captain of the Pakistan cricket team Babar Azam, Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman, as well as representatives from law enforcement, academia, and wider society.
In addition to the central event, various commemorative activities are taking place nationwide, including Quran recitations and prayers. Special tributes at the martyrs’ memorials are also part of the day’s itinerary.
These gatherings honor the remarkable bravery, undying spirit, and unwavering commitment of the nation’s heroes, including members of the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Frontier Corps, Frontier Constabulary, and other law enforcement agencies.
President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz have expressed their admiration for the valor of the martyrs in their messages. The president affirmed that the nation holds the courageous martyrs in high regard, acknowledging their embodiment of patriotism and bravery in the face of challenging times.
In a press release from the President’s Secretariat Press Wing, President Alvi recognized the significant contributions of the Armed Forces, including the Army, Rangers, Air Force, Navy, Police, and other security institutions, in making Pakistan’s defense unassailable.
The president praised the armed forces for their relentless efforts in the fight against terrorism and for their support during natural disasters and the pandemic.
In closing, he called on the nation to renew its commitment to the memory of these valiant individuals, stating, “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.”
