Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Asim Munir, strongly condemned the vandalism that took place on May 9, following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in a corruption case. Gen. Munir expressed his disappointment during his visit to the Police Lines Headquarters in Islamabad on the occasion of Martyrs Reverence Day. “Whatever happened on May 9 is very sad and condemnable,” he said.
The main ceremony, honoring those who lost their lives while defending their country, was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi. Attendees included former Army Chief Gen. (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen. (retd) Nadeem Raza, Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam, Mufti Muneebur Rehman, and other members of society.
The Inspector General of Police (IG) Islamabad Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan welcomed the army chief, where he addressed police officials and families of the martyred policemen. Gen. Munir stated that the Pakistan Army, police, and law enforcement agencies are the symbols of the state and the first line of defense that would make sacrifices for the country’s dignity and the people. “Such behavior will not be tolerated,” he warned, adding that the nation will not forgive or forget those who desecrated the memorials of martyrs and undermined their dignity.
Gen. Munir also invited Azra, the daughter of martyr Sepoy Imran, whose video condemning the May 9 events went viral. The army chief assured her that the sacrifices of the martyrs would never be forgotten. He also pledged that the armed forces would stand with the children of martyrs always. “A strong army is the guarantor of a country’s security and unity,” he maintained.
President Alvi and PM Shehbaz Pay Tribute to Valiant Martyrs
President Arif Alvi stated that the entire nation is proud of its valiant martyrs who displayed the spirit of patriotism and fearlessness in testing times throughout history. In his message, he acknowledged the armed forces’ services in crushing the menace of terrorism and assisting fellow countrymen during natural calamities and pandemics. PM Shehbaz Sharif urged the people, especially children, to visit monuments and graves of martyrs to pay their respects. He stated that Pakistan should show the world that it is a nation that holds its martyrs in veneration and affection.
He also regretted and condemned the May 9 violence and desecration of martyrs’ monuments, stating that such incidents gave the enemy reason to celebrate. “Our nation knows how to protect the honor of their martyrs…The essence of Pakistan’s existence lies in the spiritual covenant between its people and the martyrs,” wrote the prime minister on Twitter.
The chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, tri-services services chiefs, retired services officers, and representatives of civil society also paid tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan and acknowledged their eternal sacrifices, stating that they would continue to inspire future generations. “These sacrifices will never be forgotten, irrespective of vicious propaganda by the enemies of Pakistan,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said.
