Murad announces Rs10m compensation for people martyred in Indian strikes

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday revealed that seven individuals from Sindh were martyred during the Indian attack, including six personnel of the Pakistan Air Force in Bolari and one civilian, Mukhtiar Leghari, in Ghotki.

He announced compensation of Rs10 million each for the families of the martyrs and Rs1 million for individuals injured in Indian strikes. He made the announcement while speaking to the media after performing a flag-hoisting ceremony at the New Sindh Secretariat to mark Pakistan’s National Day of Gratitude.

He praised the valour of Pakistan’s armed forces, stating that defending the homeland was every Pakistani’s foremost duty and that the nation was proud of its brave sons who gave a befitting response to the Indian aggression. He paid tribute to the martyrs and commended the public’s unwavering spirit of patriotism.

The flag-hoisting ceremony was attended by provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, the chief secretary, provincial secretaries, and senior officials. The event featured resounding slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” and “Kashmir Banay Ga Pakistan”.

Shah affirmed that Sindh’s youth remained at the forefront of national defence and the people of Sindh were fully aware of enemy conspiracies. He reiterated that the Sindh government stood firmly with the nation's defenders on all fronts.

To a question, he stated that the ceremony was part of a nationwide observance announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He added that he would later visit the Martyrs’ Monument in Malir Cantonment and attend a special session at the Sindh Assembly focused on national unity and Pakistan’s historic victory.

On budget preparations, Shah stated that the upcoming provincial budget was being formulated under the guidance of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari with a focus on clean water, drainage, solar energy, education, health and rehabilitation of flood-hit infrastructure. He emphasised that efforts were under way to finalise a people-friendly budget despite the International Monetary Fund’s constraints.

The CM also expressed reservations over the federal government’s treatment of Sindh since 2013, citing delays in key projects such as the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway. He called for the serious implementation of such national projects and urged swift progress in the National Finance Commission Award.

Special events

The day began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, special prayers for Pakistan and nation and a gun salute. Moreover, the Pakistan Army, Sindh government and educational institutes celebrated the day with great zeal.

Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Muhammad Avais Dastgir, Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-e-Imtiaz, visited the Quaid-e-Azam mausoleum on the occasion of Yaum-e-Tashakkur and laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum of the Father of Nation and offered Fateha.

A flag-hoisting ceremony was also held in Karachi Corps. Another ceremony was held at the Yadgar-e- Shuhada, Malir Garrison. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Avais Dastgir visited Yadgar-e-Shuhada, laid floral wreath and offered Fateha.

Other ministers, the chief secretary, senior civil and military officers were also present. A decorated contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a salute at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada. The chief minister and the corps commander Karachi met the families of the martyrs and paid tribute to their sacrifices for the sake of the motherland.

The CM said that our Pakistani forces are an iron wall in front of the enemy and the enemy will now refrain from such cowardly acts again. He further said that our people and army are one and no one can subdue the pure soil in which the blood of our brave martyrs is mixed.

The corps commander Karachi, while talking to the families of the martyrs, said our Pakistani forces have defeated enemy due to the high morale and spirit of faith of our brave soldiers. He said our martyrs are our assets and because of their sacrifices, today we were able to act as Bunyan-um-Marsoos against the enemy.

Events were also held in other districts of Sindh on Yadgar-e-Shuhada which include Pano Aqil, Hyderabad Garrisons, Pakistan Coast Guards and Sindh Rangers Headquarters. Yaum-e-Tashakkur was also celebrated by Pakistan Police and other civil institutions and segments of society to mark the success of the country’s operation.

The Sindh police department also celebrated the day and in a statement they said a day of appreciation was celebrated at the Central Police Office Karachi for the unforgettable defeat of India at the hands of Pakistan.

Additional IG Establishment Muzaffar Ali Sheikh, DIGs Sharjeel Kharal, Naeem Sheikh and SSPs Ghulam Murtaza Tabassum, Arif Aslam Rao laid flowers at the Martyrs’ Memorial at the CPO and offered prayers and Fateha. After the call to prayer, all senior police officers stood respectfully during the national anthem, while a police contingent presented a special salute.

The Sindh police paid tribute to the success of the Pakistani Armed Forces while praying together for the security and survival of the country. The participants said that while India’s defeat has shattered its dream of a united India, it has become clear to everyone at the international level that the enthusiasm and spirit of martyrdom of the Pakistani Armed Forces have made it invincible, while the people also take immense pride in and love their naval, land and air power.

A solemn ceremony of Thanksgiving Day was organized at the Karachi Police Office in recognition of the historic victory of the Pakistani Armed Forces in Operation Banyan-um-Marsoos and the eternal sacrifices of the martyrs.

The ceremony began with a salute to the national flag. A well-equipped police contingent saluted the national flag. The ceremony was attended by DIG Admin Karachi, DIG Investigation, ADIG Legal, ADIG Establishment and other senior police officers and officials.

Expressing solidarity with the Pakistani Armed Forces and paying tribute to their sacrifices on this occasion, the police officers said the eternal sacrifices of the martyrs are a valuable asset to the nation and due to them peace is established in the country today.