Youm-e-Tashakkur today to honour military for decisive response against Indian aggression

Pakistan celebrated Youm-e-Tashakkur on Friday to honor the military for its strong response to Indian aggression earlier this month and to mark the success of Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos.

The day began with Quran Khawani and special prayers in mosques nationwide. A 31-gun salute was presented in the federal capital, while 21-gun salutes were held in all four provincial capitals. 

Floral wreaths were laid at memorials of martyrs, and guard-changing ceremonies were held at Mazar-e-Quaid and Mazar-e-Iqbal.

 
Across the nation, flag-hoisting ceremonies were held. Friday sermons also included special prayers for the stability, security, and peace of the nation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be the chief guest at a central event that is set for Friday night at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad. 

The leaders of the armed forces and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee are also anticipated to be there. President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, said Pakistan would never compromise on its sovereignty, geographical integrity, or core national interests. "We will respond with full force to any aggression against the homeland," he said. 

He added:

“It is a great moment for us to celebrate the success of Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos in response to Indian unprovoked aggression. I am grateful to Almighty Allah for blessing us with victory in this critical hour.”

Paying tribute to the military, he said:

“I pay tribute to the valiant soldiers of the Pakistan armed forces and the entire military leadership, especially the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Chief of Naval Staff. This victory not only belongs to Pakistan’s armed forces but also to the entire Pakistani nation, who stood like Bunyan-ul-Marsoos (fortified wall) against the enemy aggression.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the nation on Youm-e-Tashakkur, saying: 

“Today, Youm-e-Tashakur is being observed across the country to thank Allah Almighty for the magnificent success and victory of Pakistan against the open aggression and provocation of India.”

“During the midnight of May 6 and May 7, India while acting cowardly attacked Pakistan resulting in the martyrdom of innocent Pakistani citizens and we were forced to respond for the sake of these innocent citizens.”

He said the world saw that in just few hours an enemy which was many times bigger came to its knees and the planes which were pride of India turned into ashes and became sign of a bitter lesson. 

He continued: “Our Shaheens hammered the enemy and gave it a befitting reply. The brave and professional armed forces of Pakistan effectively and fully responded in the language of the enemy and wrote a golden chapter in the military history and foiled the designs of the enemy.”

He also acknowledged Air Chief Zaheer Babar Sidhu and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf for their role in securing Pakistan’s frontiers, and appreciated the political leadership of the country for displaying unity. 

He expressed gratitude to all political leaders, the parliament, and the opposition and allied parties for their historic solidarity and exemplary solidarity.