A solemn Defence and Martyrs Day ceremony was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Friday, which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended as the chief guest.

Upon his arrival, PM Shehbaz was presented with a guard of honour, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir welcomed him. PM Shehbaz then visited the Martyrs’ Memorial, laid a wreath, and offered prayers in remembrance of the fallen heroes.

During the ceremony, a special video titled ‘Diary of a Martyr’ was presented, featuring letters and final messages from several martyrs, including Captain Karnal Sher Khan, Captain Junaid Khan (martyred on May 11, 2009), and Captain Aziz Mehmood (martyred on August 11, 2024).

The emotional tributes, including a heartfelt reading by Captain Muhammad Kashif’s father, left many in the audience teary-eyed. The video also included messages from the families of soldiers such as sepoy Sobhan, Abid Hussain, Lieutenant Jahangir Marri, and sepoy Waqas Ali, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

The families of martyrs expressed pride in the sacrifices made by their loved ones, reaffirming their belief that these sacrifices will not be in vain. They echoed their commitment to Pakistan, vowing that the country’s enemies will face defeat, and that victory will always belong to Pakistan and its armed forces.

Addressing the gathering, General Munir paid tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan and prayed for the elevation of their ranks, stating that the sacred blood of the martyrs had nourished the soil of the homeland.

In a resolute statement, the army chief declared, “The Pakistan Army and the people of Pakistan know how to defend their sovereignty and will never allow malicious intentions to succeed.” He further emphasised that complete faith in Pakistan’s bright future is an inseparable part of the country’s national identity.

The army chief expressed his deep admiration for the unwavering spirit of the Pakistani nation, which stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces and law enforcement agencies to confront and resist the forces of evil. “The people of Pakistan are a resilient and brave nation,” he remarked.

He specifically honoured the immense sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army, law enforcement agencies, and the brave people of Pakistan, particularly those from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan. He cited the unmatched courage and resilience these regions showed in the fight against terrorism.

General Munir stressed the unbreakable bond between the Pakistan Army and the people, describing it as a “bond of the heart” that guarantees the defeat of Pakistan’s enemies. He warned that any attempts to divide the nation, sow discord, or spread despair would be met with failure.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s stability is tied to national cohesion and the unity of its people. He declared that elements trying to incite discord under foreign influence will face dire consequences, quoting the Quran: “Indeed, fitnah (sedition) is worse than killing.” (Quran 2:191)

The army chief highlighted several key national successes, including the unified stance against the extremist ideology of Fitna al-Khawarij, the Paigham-e-Pakistan initiative, effective management of the western borders, the merger of tribal areas into the province, and the economic and social development initiatives in K-P and Balochistan.

He credited these achievements to the resolve of the state and the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs and veterans.

General Munir paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan, stating, “We breathe in free air today because of the sacrifices of these martyrs.” He emphasised that the martyrs are the identity of the nation, and their families are a source of pride for the country. The army chief assured the nation that no force in the world could defeat the people of Pakistan.

Furthermore, the army chief clarified that Azm-e-Istehkam is not a new military operation, nor does it involve the displacement of people. He explained that recent terrorist activities are part of an attempt to destabilise Pakistan, but reassured the nation that the Army, with the support of the people, will overcome these challenges.

General Munir emphasised that Pakistan’s collective wisdom, guided by the teachings of the Quran and the National Action Plan, will ensure victory over the country’s enemies. He urged foreign powers to understand that the unity between the people and the Army will never allow external plans to succeed.

In addition to honouring the martyrs, General Munir also recognised the immense bravery of the individuals wounded in battle and the veterans who served as a shield against enemies of the state.

“The sacrifices of our martyrs and Ghazis will ensure that the defence of the nation remains invincible,” he stated confidently.

The army chief expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, federal and provincial ministers, and all distinguished guests who attended the ceremony.

Their presence, he said, uplifted the spirits of the officers, soldiers, veterans, and families of martyrs. “I am grateful to all who joined this solemn occasion and stood by the side of our brave forces and their families,” he added.

General Munir urged the nation to embrace unity and solidarity, stating, “We must demonstrate brotherhood, harmony, tolerance, and patience in societal and social affairs.” He called for an end to religious intolerance and stressed the importance of fully safeguarding the rights of minorities, as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.

He cautioned against allowing political differences to turn into hatred and reaffirmed the guiding principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah—faith, unity, and discipline—as the beacon for the nation.

In addition to Pakistan’s strategic geographical importance and natural resources, General Munir pointed out that the nation’s greatest asset is its people, particularly the youth. He highlighted the key role of the younger generation in ensuring Pakistan’s integrity and progress.

Addressing the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the army chief described it as not just a national issue but one of regional and global significance.

He paid tribute to the Kashmiri people for their ongoing struggle for independence, saluting their resilience. “Sustainable peace in South Asia is tied to the resolution of the Kashmir issue,” he added. He also expressed Pakistan’s gratitude to the martyrs of Kashmir, who have laid down their lives for their cause.

Shifting focus to international affairs, the army chief described the ongoing conflict in Palestine as a significant humanitarian issue, condemning Israeli aggression and exploitation of Palestinians as violations of human rights and international law.

He assured that Pakistan would remain active on the diplomatic front, advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the brutalities faced by Palestinians.

The COAS concluded his address by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to national unity, religious tolerance, and the protection of the country’s sovereignty while emphasising that the nation’s path forward is grounded in the principles of faith, unity, and discipline.

The ceremony was attended by members of the federal cabinet, senior civil and military leadership, and the families of martyrs.