Peace, liberty gift of martyred soldiers: Gen Asim

RAWALPINDI: Paying homage to martyrs and veterans, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir Thursday said Shuhada and Ghazis were the nation’s enduring pride and their honour and reverence were a sacred trust upon every Pakistani.

He said this while addressing an investiture ceremony at the GHQ to confer military honours on officers and soldiers in recognition of their exceptional valour in operations and distinguished services to the nation, said a news release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior military officials and families of the award recipients. The medals awarded posthumously were received with honour by the families of Shuhada.

The army chief expressed profound admiration for the resilience and fortitude of the families of Shuhada, acknowledging their unparalleled sacrifices for the homeland.

Commending the unyielding resolve of the army and law-enforcement agencies (LEAs), the COAS appreciated their relentless efforts in thwarting multiple terrorist threats and eliminating high-value terrorist operatives during the ongoing counterterrorism operations.

“The peace and liberty we cherish today are the result of the ultimate sacrifices rendered by these valiant sons of the soil,” he said.

Investiture ceremonies were also held at Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi Corps to honour the bravery and meritorious services of military officers and soldiers.

In Peshawar, Corps Commander Lieutenant General Omer Ahmed Bokhari was the chief guest on the occasion. Next of Kin of two junior commissioned officers and 47 soldiers received Tamgha-i-Basalat on behalf of Shuhada.

Four officers were awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and 11 officers were awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) for rendering meritorious services to the nation, said a press release issued by the ISPR.

In Lahore, Corps Commander Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah conferred Tamgha-i-Basalat (TBt) on three junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and 24 soldiers for their supreme sacrifices for the motherland. Twenty-eight officers were awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), and seventy-two officers were awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) for rendering meritorious services to the nation. Next of kin (NOK) of Shuhada received their awards (TBt) posthumously.

In Karachi, Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Muhammad Avais Dastgir awarded 10 officers with Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military), 4 officers with Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military) and 16 soldiers with Tamgha-e-Basalat for their meritorious services.

Across all three ceremonies, a heartfelt tribute was paid to the Shuhada, and the unwavering commitment of army to national defence and security was honored with deep reverence.