Twin cities mark Youm-e-Tashakur to celebrate armed forces’ victory, national unity

Rawalpindi/Islamabad:Like in other parts of the country, the residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, along with various government and private organizations, observed Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Gratitude) to commemorate the success of Operation Bunyan Marsoos and to pay tribute to the armed forces and the resilient spirit of the nation.

Flag-hoisting ceremonies were held at the offices of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, as well as at institutions including the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Metropolitan Corporation Rawalpindi (MCR), Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Excise and Taxation Department, Regional Transport Authority (RTA), and other government departments.

Government and private educational institutions also marked the day with events expressing national pride and unity. The day began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and special prayers in mosques across the country. Supplications were offered for national stability, prosperity, unity, and the liberation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Namaz-e-Shukr was offered, followed by Quran recitations dedicated to the armed forces and the martyrs who laid down their lives in defence of the homeland.

Special meetings were held with the families of martyrs, where local government representatives and military officials paid tribute to their sacrifices and assured them of the nation’s enduring respect and support.

In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, people expressed their joy by playing national songs, distributing sweets, and exchanging victory signs. Patriotic slogans such as “Takbeer – Allahu Akbar,” “Pakistan Zindabad,” and “Long Live Pakistan Armed Forces” echoed in the air.

Speakers at various gatherings praised the courage and professionalism of the armed forces. “This victory belongs not only to our brave military but to the entire nation, which stood united,” they stated, while expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah for the success.

They emphasized that Pakistan desires peace in the region but will not compromise on its sovereignty, national interests, or territorial integrity. Participants also voiced strong opposition to any unilateral moves by India to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, reaffirming their resolve to protect Pakistan’s water rights using all available means.

The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training organised an art exhibition at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, while the National University of Modern Languages, the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi, Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Fiqh-e-Jafariya, Rawalpindi Cantonment Board and the All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association, north Punjab organised different ceremonies to mark Thanksgiving Day.

Solidarity rallies were organized in different areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, drawing enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and local residents. The rallies featured chants of support for the armed forces and expressions of national pride.