'Tragic incidents' of May 9 'sinisterly designed', PM says on Martyrs Reverence Day

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, while observing the Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan (Martyrs Reverence Day), stated that the "tragic incidents" of May 9 were "designed" sinisterly with a "clear build-up to the shameful incident".

Taking to his official Twitter handle, the premier said that “today the nation is solemnly observing to pay its glowing tributes to our heroes, Ghazis, and martyrs and express its unflinching solidarity with their families”.

Shehbaz stated that he did not see “the tragic incidents of May 9 as merely a protest that became violent. The designs of those who planned them were actually very sinister”.

He continued that there was a “clear build-up to the shameful incidents, as the whole nation witnessed in utter disbelief and a state of shock how the lust of some people for power made them do what was never done before”.

“By targeting, desecrating and destroying the monuments of Shuhada, and attacking the very symbols of the State, the miscreants attacked the idea and identity of Pakistan and gave the enemies of the country reasons to celebrate,” he wrote.

The prime minister said that the “tragic and heart-rendering events of May 9” were a “wake-up call”.

“We have to identify and expose all such people who want to destroy the foundations of Pakistan,” he said, adding that the protests of May 9 drew "a dividing line" between the protectors and builders of Pakistan and those who wish to weaken it.

Read Army chief denounces May 9 mayhem as ‘intolerable’

Commenting on the Martyrs Reverence Day, he said the nation has revived and reiterated its pledge to “uphold the honour and respect” of martyrs.

“The essence of Pakistan’s existence lies in the spiritual covenant between its people and the martyrs. The creation of Pakistan is a miracle of the 20th century and its edifice stands on the sure foundation of their sacred blood,” he stated.

The premier added that the country would “never” be able to thank its martyrs enough.

Ceremonies

The nation is observing Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan today to pay rich tribute to the martyrs who laid their lives while protecting the motherland and its people.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir was in attendance at the ceremony held at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada (remembrance of martyrs memorial) at the army’s General Head Quarters (GHQ).

Former COAS Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, other military officers, families of the martyrs, Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam, Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman and other officials were also present at the event.

The ceremony started with the arrival of Gen Munir and was followed by a Quran recitation and a speech to honour the memory of the martyrs.

“This day is to remember the martyrs of the nation and to not forget their immortal sacrifices,” the speaker stated.

The event concluded with the recitation of the national anthem.

As Pakistan honours its martyrs, numerous events featuring Quran recitals and prayers were organised throughout the country to remember the courageous heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The gatherings served as a platform for the nation to honour the indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication of the martyrs, hailing from the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Frontier Corps, Frontier Constabulary, police, and other law enforcement agencies.

Several commemorative ceremonies will be held at the martyrs' memorials to pay tribute to them.

President showers martyrs with praise

President Dr Arif Alvi has said that the nation pays tribute to the unprecedented courage and sacrifices of our ancestors and personnel of our security forces who have rendered great sacrifices for the motherland.

“The nation owes to the heroism and sacrifices offered by the jawans and officers of our armed forces, including Pakistan Army, Rangers, air force, navy, police, and other security institutions that made Pakistan’s defence impregnable,” the president said in a statement issued on the eve of ‘Martyrs Reverence Day’ on Wednesday.

Read More A strong army guarantees security, unity of country: COAS

The integrity and security of our country would not have been possible without their valuable services, Alvi said, adding that the entire nation was proud of the valiant martyrs who displayed the spirit of patriotism and fearlessness in testing times throughout Pakistan’s history.

“Apart from defending the frontiers of the country, our security forces successfully defeated the menace of terrorism.

“Pakistan single-handedly contained the scourge of terrorism due to the bravery and sacrifices of its forces.

“We should not forget that even during natural calamities and pandemics, our security forces stood shoulder to shoulder with their people and provided timely relief and assistance to their fellow countrymen.”

Being the president of Pakistan, Alvi said, he regularly contacted the families of the martyrs to pay homage and convey his feelings for them.

During his interactions with them, the president said, he felt proud of their spirit of patriotism towards the motherland. “The entire nation acknowledges their contributions towards the defence of the nation and salutes them for laying down their lives for the motherland.