No hostile design can shake forces' resolve: COAS
COAS General Syed Asim Munir enquires after the well-being of a soldier at the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalpindi. Photo: APP
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir said on Monday that no hostile design could undermine the determination of the Pakistan Armed Forces, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared May 10 as a national day to be observed annually as 'Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq'.
Marka-e-Haq refers to the broader conflict with India from April 22 to May 10, while 'Bunyanum Marsoos' is the name given to the operation on May 10, during which Pakistan vowed justice and retribution.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the army chief visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalpindi to inquire about the well-being of soldiers and civilians injured during Marka e Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
Gen Asim Munir emphasized that no hostile design could erode the resolve of the armed forces. "The valour and sacrifice of our civilians and soldiers are the cornerstone of Pakistan's security. The entire nation stands united in solidarity with every member of its Armed Forces," he said.
The army chief noted that the resolute and unified response exhibited during Marka e Haq/Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, "in concert with the steadfast support of the Pakistani people, constitutes a defining chapter in the country's military history," the ISPR added.
During the visit to the CMH, the army chief individually met with the injured personnel, lauded their exceptional bravery and steadfast devotion to duty, and reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Pakistan Armed Forces to their continued care, rehabilitation, and welfare.
According to the ISPR, with the successful conclusion of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, the military campaign Marka-e-Haq, of which the operation was an integral part, also came to a victorious end. Through this operation, the armed forces delivered on the promise made to the people of Pakistan.
To mark the victory, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the nation would observe Friday, May 16, 2025, as the 'National Day of Gratitude' with special prayers and bowing down our heads before Almighty Allah.
The prime minister also announced that May 10 would be observed as Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq [Day of the Battle for Truth] every year to commemorate the country's resounding success in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos against India.
"Our brave armed forces have elevated the nation's pride with their professionalism," Shehbaz said, urging citizens to pray for continued national unity and progress. He also unveiled substantial financial compensation packages for both civilians and military personnel affected during Marka-e-Haq.
In a major policy announcement, Shehbaz said that families of civilians martyred during the operation would receive Rs10 million each, while injured civilians would be granted between Rs1 million and Rs2 million each, depending on the severity of injuries.
For the martyred military personnel, the government would provide Rs10 million to Rs18 million to families, based on rank. Additionally, based on rank, Rs19 million to Rs42 million would be given as housing assistance to the martyrs' families.
Families of the martyrs would continue to receive full salary and allowances until their scheduled retirement date; besides the children of the martyred soldiers would be entitled to free education up to graduation, and one daughter of each martyr would receive Rs1 million marriage grant.
The prime minister said that the military personnel injured during the operation would receive between Rs2 million and Rs5 million each. He further announced that the federal government would bear the expenses of the treatment for all the wounded individuals, both civilian and military.
In addition to individual support, Shehbaz said, the government will also undertake the reconstruction of all homes and mosques damaged or destroyed in the Indian strikes. "The responsibility of supporting the children of martyrs lies with the government, Shehbaz said. "We will fulfil this duty."
Shehbaz also announced that all individuals who rendered services in the country's defence during the operationregardless of rank or rolewill be officially recognised at the national level and honoured with awards.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)
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