No hostile design can shake forces' resolve: COAS
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)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
We need to identify, expose terrorists, their facilitators in Balochistan, says DG ISPR
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has suggested residents of Balochistan to expose terrorists and their facilitators, adding the security forces must work together with the people and administration of Balochistan in this regard. The military spokesperson said this during a special session with students participating in the ongoing internship programme organised by the ISPR. During the session, an in-depth discussion was held regarding Pakistan, particularly focusing on Balochistan. The ISPR director general answered in detail the questions asked by students belonging to Balochistan. To a query, demanding a major operation against terrorism in Balochistan, wherein door-to-door inspection is suggested, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the punishment for one person's terrorism cannot be given to an entire area or village. An operation in any area can only succeed when the public itself identifies terrorists, he said. 'It's not effective for the army to simply clear an area, conduct an operation, and then leave — as terrorists may return afterward. We must expose terrorists, their facilitators, and planners,' he said, adding that everything must be done wisely; 'that's why it's called intelligence-based operations (IBOs)'. The army has no interest in harming innocent civilians under the guise of counterterrorism, he maintained. However, the lieutenant general also warned, any citizen who shelters terrorists or stores explosives in their home will have to face the consequences. 'We are made to believe that something is brewing in the minds of the people and youth of Balochistan against Pakistan.' The people of Balochistan fully understand the relationship between the province and Pakistan, he said. DG ISPR Chaudhry said the local people are standing up and must do so against terrorism and they are now identifying terrorists and their facilitators. 'They are fed up and weary of these terrorists. Visit Balochistan and see how wise and forward-thinking the Baloch people are,' he noted. The DG ISPR reminded that every day, Pakistani officers, soldiers, and civilians are sacrificing their lives to keep the country free. Speaking of an army officer belonging to Balochistan, Major Muhammad Anwar Kakar (Shaheed), he said Kakar was a brilliant officer and a great son of the soil. 'He had earlier sent several terrorists to hell during the PC Hotel Gwadar attack,' he said. Chaudhry highlighted that countless success stories manifested that educated Baloch youth have become masters of their own fate. 'Samad Yar Jung, a renowned scientist from Balochistan, is a graduate of Cambridge University and an alumnus of Buleda School. Karate champion Shahzaib Rind, also from Balochistan, has carved his own destiny. Baloch girls are now serving as deputy commissioners in their districts.'
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
People should identify, expose terrorists, their facilitators in Balochistan, says DG ISPR
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has suggested residents of Balochistan to expose terrorists and their facilitators, adding the security forces must work together with the people and administration of Balochistan in this regard. The military spokesperson said this during a special session with students participating in the ongoing internship programme organised by the ISPR. During the session, an in-depth discussion was held regarding Pakistan, particularly focusing on Balochistan. The ISPR director general answered in detail the questions asked by students belonging to Balochistan. To a query, demanding a major operation against terrorism in Balochistan, wherein door-to-door inspection is suggested, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the punishment for one person's terrorism cannot be given to an entire area or village. An operation in any area can only succeed when the public itself identifies terrorists, he said. 'It's not effective for the army to simply clear an area, conduct an operation, and then leave — as terrorists may return afterward. We must expose terrorists, their facilitators, and planners,' he said, adding that everything must be done wisely; 'that's why it's called intelligence-based operations (IBOs)'. The army has no interest in harming innocent civilians under the guise of counterterrorism, he maintained. However, the lieutenant general also warned, any citizen who shelters terrorists or stores explosives in their home will have to face the consequences. 'We are made to believe that something is brewing in the minds of the people and youth of Balochistan against Pakistan.' The people of Balochistan fully understand the relationship between the province and Pakistan, he said. DG ISPR Chaudhry said the local people are standing up and must do so against terrorism and they are now identifying terrorists and their facilitators. 'They are fed up and weary of these terrorists. Visit Balochistan and see how wise and forward-thinking the Baloch people are,' he noted. The DG ISPR reminded that every day, Pakistani officers, soldiers, and civilians are sacrificing their lives to keep the country free. Speaking of an army officer belonging to Balochistan, Major Muhammad Anwar Kakar (Shaheed), he said Kakar was a brilliant officer and a great son of the soil. 'He had earlier sent several terrorists to hell during the PC Hotel Gwadar attack,' he said. Chaudhry highlighted that countless success stories manifested that educated Baloch youth have become masters of their own fate. 'Samad Yar Jung, a renowned scientist from Balochistan, is a graduate of Cambridge University and an alumnus of Buleda School. Karate champion Shahzaib Rind, also from Balochistan, has carved his own destiny. Baloch girls are now serving as deputy commissioners in their districts.'
Business Recorder
10 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Marka-e-Haq 14th August Youm-e-Azaadi: Message from Admiral Naveed Ashraf Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) Tamgha-e-Basalat Chief of the Naval Staff
On the auspicious occasion of Pakistan's 78th Independence Day, we stand united and grateful on being blessed with an independent and rejuvenated homeland. This day is not merely a remembrance of the past but a powerful reaffirmation of our collective resolve to build a country that stands as beacon of peace, prosperity and justice for its citizens, embodying the profound vision of our founding fathers. Let us recall the untiring struggle, indomitable courage and countless lives dedicated to securing a separate homeland where our dreams and aspirations could be realized. It is this foundational spirit that continues to inspire us to strive for social equity, economic growth and shared prosperity, ensuring that every individual finds dignity and opportunity within our borders. The Independence Day is significant as the entire nation gelled together and remained steadfast in preserving our freedom against the nefarious designs of our perennial enemy. Today's celebrations remind us that freedom is preserved through sacrifices, unity and resilience. During Marka e Haq, Allah SWT bestowed us with a precious victory owing to the grit and fortitude of our valiant Armed Forces against a Machiavellian adversary. This remarkable success stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering resolve, resilience and enduring spirit of the entire Pakistani nation. By the grace of Allah SWT, during these testing times, Pakistan Navy vigilantly guarded our maritime frontiers and remained alert and poised to respond to any misadventure at sea. Our perpetual readiness and unshakeable resolve kept the enemy at bay and ensured protection of our vital maritime interests and unhindered flow of trade. May Allah SWT keep us in His protection and grant us the strength to ensure impregnable defence of our country and enrich the glorious legacy of our predecessors in protecting our motherland with dignity, honour and pride. May the green flag embedded with white crescent and star always fly high with our borders secured, seas guarded and air defended from enemy's malice and rancor. Amen. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
