Recognising our martyrs

KARACHI: This is with reference to your editorial on Martyrs Day celebrated by the Pakistan Army this year on April 30 — and every year henceforth. Nations need to recognise the sacrifices made by their fallen soldiers.

The lives given by hundreds of young officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army in 2009 while fighting militant outfits during Operation Rah-e-Rast should be acknowledged globally. According to statistics released by ISPR, around 2,400 personnel lost their lives and another 6,500 were wounded in 2009-2010. In comparison, US/Nato forces in the region combined had a casualty figure of approximately 1,600. This just goes to show that the price paid by the Pakistani nation in pursuit of elimination of terrorist elements has been very high.

Published in the Express Tribune, May 16th, 2010.