Rawalpindi: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, on Thursday, emphasized that the peace and liberty enjoyed by Pakistan today are the result of the tremendous sacrifices made by the country's armed forces.
His remarks came during an investiture ceremony held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where military honours were bestowed upon officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army in recognition of their exceptional bravery and distinguished service.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Munir conferred prestigious military awards, including the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat, to personnel who had displayed extraordinary courage during operations and rendered exemplary service to the nation. Some of the awards were posthumously presented, with the families of martyrs accepting the medals on behalf of their loved ones.
A large gathering of senior military officials and the families of the awardees attended the ceremony, paying tribute to the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces. The COAS expressed his admiration for the bravery of the recipients and emphasized the importance of acknowledging their efforts for the peace and stability of the country.
In his address, General Munir paid special homage to the martyrs and veterans of the Pakistan Army, saying, “Shuhada (martyrs) and Ghazis (warriors) are our enduring pride. Their honour and reverence are a sacred trust upon every Pakistani.” He further acknowledged the immense contributions of the families of the fallen soldiers, highlighting their resilience and courage in the face of personal loss. The COAS’s words resonated deeply with the audience, as he praised the families for their unwavering support of the armed forces.
General Munir also took the opportunity to commend the Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies for their ongoing efforts in combating terrorism across the country. He specifically highlighted the successful elimination of high-value terrorist targets during ongoing counterterrorism operations. The COAS reiterated the commitment of the military and security forces to continue their relentless efforts to ensure the safety and security of Pakistan’s citizens.
The ceremony not only recognized the valor of the award recipients but also served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the armed forces in protecting the nation from internal and external threats. It underscored the importance of unity, dedication, and a collective effort to secure the future of the country.
As the investiture ceremony concluded, General Munir’s words resonated deeply with all in attendance, as the nation and its armed forces celebrated the courage and sacrifices of those who have laid down their lives in service to Pakistan. The event reflected the strong bond between the military and the people of Pakistan, united in the pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity.
The recognition of these exceptional soldiers and officers not only highlights the importance of acknowledging bravery and service but also serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring commitment of Pakistan’s armed forces to safeguarding the nation.