Wish comes true: Terminally-ill child becomes Army Captain, for a day

Armed forces offer Salat-al-Shukr to mark victory in Operation Banyan-un-Marsoos

KARACHI:

Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Owais Dastgir fulfilled the wish of Usman Aqeel, a young child battling the deadly disease Calciphylaxis, by granting him the honour of becoming an officer in the Pakistan Army for a day, according to an official release.

Aqeel had expressed his desire to serve in the Pakistan Army. Moved by his courage, Lt Gen Dastgir invited him to the Corps Headquarters in Karachi. During his visit, the child was presented with gifts and given the honorary rank of Captain by his mother, the statement read.

Aqeel spent the day with troops, learning about the training and operational methods of the Pakistan Army. He was also given the opportunity to fire various military weapons. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Today my wish to join the Pakistan Army has been fulfilled. I am grateful to Corps Commander Karachi for providing me this opportunity”.

He added, “The way the Pakistan Army defeated India in Operation Banyanum Marsoos is exemplary. Every child of Pakistan stands by its forces and is ready to confront the enemy at any moment.”

Separately, Salat-al-Shukr was offered by the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Rangers Sindh, and Pakistan Coast Guard in Karachi in gratitude for the success of Operation Banyanum Marsoos, it added.

Corps Commander Karachi, along with officers and troops, offered prayers to thank Allah Almighty for granting victory and proving the Pakistan Army as a leaden wall against the cunning enemy India.

Prayers were also held at Divisional Headquarters in Malir, Hyderabad, Pano Aqil, and by the Pakistan Coast Guards. Corps Commander Dastgir later visited combat-ready troops and paid tribute to their unwavering commitment. He also met the injured soldier of the operation and paid homage to the martyrs and ghaziyan of the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force.

“The Pakistan Army is proud of its brave soldiers. They are the crown of the nation,” the Corps Commander said. “We must be ready at all times. Any misadventure by the enemy will be met with an immediate and befitting response,” he added.