YAUM-e-SHUHADA

Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan

“The tyrant dies and his rule is over, the martyr dies and his rule begins.”

Søren Kierkegaard, The Journals of Kierkegaard

Most recently, the Armed Forces of Pakistan celebrated 5th Yaum-e-Shuhada throughout the country. It was meant to give tribute the real defender and sons of the soil. It was also gracefully staged to member the unparalleled sacrifices soldiers, jawans and officers. On this day the brave deeds of police, law enforcement and intelligence agencies were also praised.

True Spirits

It reflected our collective narrative against terrorism, sectarianism, separatism and fundamentalism. It showcased our true spirits to acknowledge their countless services towards their beloved country. It was pay homage to their unmatched gallantry and heroic conducts. It was salute to their unwavering dedication to safeguard the motherland.

Strategic Assets

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Armed forces of Pakistan are our strategic assets and first line of defence. Whether it be obstructing enemy on the borders and fighting off internal enemies horrifying the state or it may be the arduous times of natural catastrophes, the Armed Forces of Pakistan has assured to strengthen and fortify the motherland by leaving no stone unturned. Salute to those brave sons of the soil, who always ensure our safety by keeping the frontiers safe. Salute to the alertness of our soldiers who always look out day and night for all internal and external enemies. Salute to the resolve of our soldiers, who always ready to confront the mayhems of severe conditions from the scorching deserts to the icy glaciers. Salute the valour of our soldiers who dare to look in the face of death with no fear. Salute the fervour of soldiers who desire Shahadat. Salute the young officers who fall in love with their uniform. They are ever ready to leave their families behind in their determination to provide safety to all the families of our country. Salute the saviours who come to help in tiring times of calamities.

Services of the Armed Forces

Armed Forces of Pakistan is the icon of services which cannot be explained in words. They always make us proud. They stood first in the time of national crisis and natural calamities. Their untiring sincere efforts mark the defence of Pakistan with an ultimate assurance to safeguard the country at all heads. We are proud and honoured to have such great sons because the people who really make history are the martyrs. The sacrifices of our Shuhada are what make our defence unconquerable. Today, the whole nation stands by our soldiers who are guarding our borders and days will prove that the war against terrorism will not finish us. We wish to be martyrs and are not scared of death. Caravans of Shuhada will continue forever. Salute all the soldiers of Pakistan forces who are sacrificing their today for our tomorrow. Moreover, surely martyrs are gladly giving up their bodies to torture and death the trustworthy heroes of our national history.

Main Impressive Ceremony

A main impressive ceremony was held at Yadgar-e-Shuhada, General Headquarters, Rawalpindi attended by families of Shuhada, serving and retired officers and a large number of people belonging to different segments of society. Such ceremonies were also held in garrisons all over the country.

The significance of the 5th Youm-e-Shuhada heightened this year as the nation stood by forces when they were made target of malevolent campaign. The TV channels played national songs on the occasion. COAS General Raheel Sharif delivered a remarkable speech at Yadgar-e-Shuhada ceremony. General Raheel Sharif also offered Fateha for the martyrs after laying floral wreath at the Shuhada Monument.

“The commitment of Pakistan armed forces to democracy and the Constitution is a matter of satisfaction and also a matter of huge significance. General Raheel Sharif’s declaration of his devotion to media’s freedom and his tributes to the media were highly significant. The people and the Army are on the same page on all the important matters”.

“Chief of Army Staff expressed the Army’s point of view on four vital issues facing the country. The issues are terrorism, the Kashmir issue, democracy and the media. General Raheel Sharif said that he supports every attempt made for eliminating terrorism, but those with whom talks are being held must recognise the Constitution of Pakistan and return to the national mainstream”.

“Another important matter which General Raheel Sharif touched in his speech was Kashmir. He forcefully highlighted the importance of the issue. General Raheel Sharif has also said that Pakistan is a peace-loving country, but if the country is ever subjected to aggression, it is fully capable of giving a befitting reply”.

COAS) General Raheel Sharif’s Speech

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif said that the armed forces of Pakistan believed in the strengthening of democracy, supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law and would render every sacrifice for the country’s security, progress and prosperity.

Security of the Country

He said that Pakistan’s armed forces were keeping a close vigil on the internal and external challenges and were fully capable of meeting all the threats to the security of the country. He said that the armed forces remained alert round the clock for the defence of the motherland.

“Nobody should doubt the capabilities of the Pakistan Army as it will come to the expectations of the nation,” he added. General Raheel Sharif said that the Pakistan Army would continue to play its role in ensuring the security, progress and prosperity of the country.

National Unity

He stressed the need for unity to overcome the internal and external challenges confronting the country. “Pakistan Army supported every effort for the eradication of terrorism and restoration of peace in the country, he added.

While lauding the supreme sacrifices rendered by the security forces for the defence of the country, the COAS said that the nation always stood with the Pakistan Army in every difficult time.

Fight against Terrorism

While declaring that the Pakistan Army supported every effort for the elimination of terrorism and restoration of peace, the chief of army staff said that it was his wish that all the elements fighting against Pakistan should submit before the Constitution and laws of the country and return to the mainstream.

High Spirits

He made it clear that the people and the armed forces were fully capable of thwarting the nefarious designs of the enemies of the country. All nations fight shoulder-to-shoulder with their armies on the internal or external fronts and keep their spirits high, he said and added, the Pakistan Army’s strength was the confidence the people reposed in it.

“The Pakistani nation always stood behind its army and our valiant soldiers will render all sacrifices for national security,” he added. He said that the relations between the Pakistan Army and people would become stronger with every passing day.

Unity, Faith and Discipline

General Raheel called for following the golden principles of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah unity, faith and discipline to put the country on the road to progress and prosperity. He called upon all the institutions of the country to make efforts for the success of democracy and assured that the armed forces would continue their efforts for the development of the country and prosperity of the people.

Positive Role of Media and Civil Society

Lauding the role of the media and civil society along with other institutions of the state in nation building, he said that the media always played an important role in moulding public opinion in favour of national security.

“We believe in the freedom of the media, responsible journalism and appreciate its sacrifices,” he added. Youm-e-Shuhada (Day of Martyrs) was observed to pay homage to those soldiers who had laid their lives for the cause of the motherland.

Commander Lahore Corps Lieutenant General Naweed Zaman

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Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.

Sun Tzu.

5th Youm-e-Shuhada to commemorate the sacrifices rendered by martyrs of Pakistan Armed Forces was observed with solemnity and enthusiasm in Lahore Garrison. A special ceremony was held to pay a befitting tribute to the martyred.

A large number of civil and military officials, representatives from cross section of society and families of martyrs attended the ceremony. From top to bottom spirits were sky-high which showed their full determination to fight against all odds to defend the best interest of the country. It showcased their golden chapters of bravery, gallantry and believed in Allah Almighty and prophecies of martyrdom.

Commander Lahore Corps Lieutenant General Naweed Zaman and Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada to pay homage to the martyrs of Pakistan Army and offered fateha. A smartly turned-out contingent of guards presented salute to honour the martyrs. Later, families of martyrs placed flowers at the monument and offered fateha. Over 4,000 people, who attended the function, gave a standing ovation to the families of martyrs. Promising singers Sara Raza and Sanwal sang national songs to earn a big round of applause from the emotionally charged audience.

Real Heroes

They are our real heroes who shed their blood and lost their lives and we are now lying in the soil of a friendly country and therefore live in peace. Salute to great mothers, who sent their sons from far away areas wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well. It witnessed once again that history of Pakistan Army is replete with glorious chapters of valour and sacrifices rendered by our Shuhada and the nation shall always remain indebted to them. It also reflected that great nations always cherished the selfless services rendered by their sons. It was staged to honour our martyrs amply testifies that they live in our hearts.

Glorious Chapter

Commander Lahore Corps Lieutenant General Naweed Zaman rated the supreme sacrifices rendered by martyrs of Pakistan Army and other law-enforcement agencies is a glorious chapter in our national history. He said that bravery and courage displayed by officers and men in uniforms in the call of duty bear testimony to our commitment and resolve for ensuring defence and stability of the country.

Salute to our Martyrs

Lt Gen Naweed Zaman said that we, as a nation, owed a lot to our martyrs for sacrificing their lives for the future generations of Pakistan. He said that Youm-e-Shuhada reminds us of our pledge and obligation towards our motherland. The corps commander said that Pakistan Army has always remained at the forefront of serving the country with dignity and pride.

Importance of National Solidarity

By stressing the importance of national unity and solidarity he said that wars were only won through national solidarity and that it was the support, unity and joint resolve of the nation as a whole that we have persevered against nefarious designs of our enemy.

Valuable Assets

He acknowledged the sacrifices manifested by the departed soul families by labeling them the most valued assets of the country and that the nation shall continue to stand behind them. Lt Gen Zaman urged officers and soldiers to follow the footsteps of their valiant predecessors and spare no effort, whatsoever, to ensure impregnable defence of the motherland.

Historic Perspectives

Former Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani built the Yadgar-e-Shuhada Pakistan at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, remembering those six soldiers who were martyred in an attack on the GHQ on October 10, 2009.

The fifth Youm-e-Shuhada Pakistan was observed on April 30, 2014. The first Youm-e-Shuhada Pakistan was held on April 30, 2010. The then army chief, Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, addressed the four ceremonies of Youm-e-Shuhada while the present Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif addressed the fifth one.

For the last five years, on the night of April 30, the army chief laid floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada Pakistan in a prestigious national ceremony. Since, the start of the Independence Day parade at the PMA Kakul and the ceremony of Youm-e-Shuhada at the GHQ were staged on regular basis.

Concluding Remarks

Yaum-e-Shuhada was observed throughout Pakistan on April 30. It is a promise that we would never let their sacrifice go waste. It is a tribute to unsung heroes of the soil. It stands for sacrifice, gallantry, and patriotism. Yaum-e-Shuhada is a special tribute to the enduring courage and resolute will of our great Shuhada of our Armed Forces of Pakistan. It is indeed an acknowledgment of their valuable sacrifices and to honour all those martyrs who laid their precious lives so that their nation may live long.

Yaum-e-Shuhada is the narrative of unlimited sacrifices of our beloved soldiers. It is a reality about those people who always keep their motherland and country beyond themselves, whenever and wherever. It is the path of glory, perfection, satisfaction and virtue. It is not just a ceremony. It is always heart-to-heart affair celebrated with pride, dignity with promise to be always ready for the sake of our country. It is faith, resolve and pride of our Armed Forces. It is also commitment of our Army to defend, protect and preserve Pakistan at all cost.

The War on Terror has caused more suffering, deaths and destruction to the people of Pakistan than of any other country in the world. It is a fact that more than 6,000 army personnel have sacrificed their lives in the ongoing war against terrorism. The officers and Jawans carry out their duties in most hostile and difficult terrain and environment. They always demonstrated height of patience, resoluteness and resilience during the course of asymmetrical warfare. They use to sacrifice their lives not opening fire at the target hiding behind the human shields.

The Pakistani nation, the Pakistan Army, the Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Air Force, the Pakistan Police Force, Pakistan’s paramilitary and second tier security forces Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Military Intelligence (MI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB), the other federal and the provincial intelligence agencies in fact everyone feel proud to give their lives for their nation.
Yaum-e-Shuhada is the icon of martyrdom which is a great honour and fortunate are those who are blessed with it. Long live Armed Forces of Pakistan.