The nation observed Youm-e-Tashakur (Thanksgiving Day) today, Friday, to pay tribute to the Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan for their historic success in Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos and Marka-e-Haq.
According to 24NewsHD TV channel, the day began with special prayers and Quran recitations held in mosques across the country, invoking blessings for peace and gratitude for the nation’s resilience.
A thirty-one-gun salute in Islamabad and a twenty-one-gun salute each in all provincial capitals resonated at dawn, symbolising the country’s respect and honour for its heroes.
Change-of-guard ceremonies were held at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam in Karachi and Allama Iqbal’s tomb in Lahore, renewing the spirit of patriotism.
Families of martyrs who laid down their lives during the landmark operations were specially honoured in gatherings across the country, where tributes and condolences were extended.
The central ceremony took place at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was the chief guest.
The event was also graced by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, signifying the unity of civilian and military leadership in celebrating the national triumph.
The nation reaffirmed its commitment to security, unity, and sacrifice, honouring all those who played a part in defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and dignity.
In a powerful message, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed that Pakistan would never compromise on its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or core national interests. “Any aggression against our homeland will be met with full force,” he declared.
President Zardari praised the Armed Forces and their leadership for responding with professionalism, precision, and strength.
“Pakistan is a peace-loving nation and does not harbour aggressive ambitions,” he clarified, “but let there be no doubt—our sovereignty will never be compromised.”
On the issue of water, the President warned against any unilateral move on the Indus Waters Treaty and vowed that Pakistan would use all national power to safeguard its rights.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also paid glowing tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives in defense of the nation during Marka-e-Haq.
Referring to the midnight of May 6 and May 7, the Prime Minister said India launched a cowardly attack that martyred innocent Pakistani civilians, compelling Pakistan to respond. “In just a few hours, an enemy many times larger came to its knees. The pride of India turned to ashes,” he said.
“Our Shaheens gave a befitting response, and wrote a golden chapter in military history,” the Prime Minister added. “Their Rafales were turned into wreckage by the grace of Allah.”
PM Shehbaz extended heartfelt thanks to General Syed Asim Munir, calling his leadership sagacious and courageous. He also praised Chief of Air Staff Zaheer Ahmed Babar and his Shaheens, as well as Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, for safeguarding the sea frontiers.
He also commended all political parties, including the opposition, for showing unprecedented unity and solidarity during this critical time.
Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, in his message on Youm-e-Tashakur, said, “We bow in prostration before Allah for this glorious victory against the enemy.” He paid tribute to the martyrs, saying the victory was only possible due to their supreme sacrifices.
Calling India a “cowardly enemy” for attacking under the cover of darkness, Naqvi said, “Just like in the past, the enemy attacked at night and faced a humiliating defeat.” He claimed that Pakistan’s Air Force shot down six Indian fighter jets, setting a new standard in aerial warfare.
Naqvi commended the Armed Forces for their crushing response. “This is a golden chapter in our military history,” he said, adding, “Every Pakistani shares in this victory. Our people stand tall with pride today.”
The interior minister offered special tributes to Army Chief General Asim Munir, Air Chief Zaheer Babar, and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf. “Under their bold and visionary leadership, Pakistan’s Armed Forces crushed the enemy’s evil designs,” Naqvi concluded.
PM hoists flag to mark Youm-e-Tashakkur
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday hoisted the national flag at the PM House to mark Youm-e-Tashakur (Thanksgiving Day).
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.
The prime minister, in his message in connection with the day, highlighted that 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.
“Our Shaheens hammered the enemy and gave it a befitting reply,” he said adding 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.
Sindh Governor hoists national flag
The Governor of Sindh Mohammed Kamran Khan Tessori on Friday hoisted the national flag at the Governor House in Karachi on the occasion of Youm e Tashakur.
Employees of the Sindh Governor House and schoolchildren attended the flag hoisting ceremony.
The national anthem was also played, and prayers were offered in connection with the Day.
The Governor Tessori said that the entire nation has achieved a historic victory under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir.
This victory is a reflection of national unity, sacrifice, and the unparalleled strategy of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
He also paid tributes to the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army.