
Marka-e-Haq: PM, COAS visit CMH to inquire after health of injured troops
The prime minister was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar, according to the statement released from Prime Minister (PM Office).
During the visit, the prime minister lauded the unparalleled bravery, determination and sense of duty shown by the wounded soldiers during Marka-e-Haq.
The way our armed forces and the entire nation fought this war is truly unprecedented, said PM Shehbaz during his visit.
The nation is observing Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Gratitute) across Pakistan today to mark the historic victory of Marka-e-Haq and to pay tribute to the armed forces and the resilient people of the country following the success of Operation Bunyan Marsoos.
The day began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and special prayers in mosques throughout the country. Special supplications were offered for Pakistan's stability, prosperity, and unity. Prayers were also held for the freedom of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Following the Namaz-e-Shukr, Quran recitations were held for the success of the armed forces and the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs who laid down their lives in defence of the nation.
A 31-gun salute was presented in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes echoed across all provincial capitals, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, as Pakistan marked Youm-e-Tashakur to celebrate the historic victory of Operation Bunyan Marsoos.
Gun salutes, change of guard ceremonies, and floral wreaths laid at monuments to the fallen were part of the day-long events honouring the courage and sacrifices of Pakistan's defenders.
Prime Minister, accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, visited the residence of Shaheed Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf.
PM Shehbaz and COAS met with the family members of the martyr and offered prayers for the elevation of his rank in the hereafter.
The Prime Minister praised the dedication and sense of duty demonstrated by Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf during Marka-e-Haq, sources added.
President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz have also issued special messages to the nation on the occasion of Youm-e-Tashakur declaring the success of Operation Bunyan Marsoos as a joint victory of Pakistan's armed forces and its proud, dignified people.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his official message, praised the courage and professionalism of the armed forces, stating "This victory is not only of our valiant military but of the entire nation that stood united like a solid wall. I thank Almighty Allah for granting us success in this critical hour."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Recorder
6 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz reviews relief efforts for flood-affectees in Pakistan's northern areas
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif presided a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Monday to review ongoing relief operations for the victims of torrential rains and floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. During the meeting, the prime minister announced that the entire federal cabinet will donate one month's salary to support flood victims in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He directed federal institutions to intensify relief efforts in the affected districts of the province. 'In this hour of difficulty, there is no federal or provincial government — we must ensure full support and rehabilitation of the affected people,' said the prime minister, stressing that assisting fellow citizens in distress is a national duty. He further added: 'This is not a time for politics. It's a time for service and for healing the pain of the people.' 'Heavy monsoon rains' likely to batter Karachi, other parts of Sindh till Friday PM Shehbaz announced that the federal government will provide financial assistance under the PM Relief Package not only to the families of those who lost their lives but also to the injured and affected. The premier directed Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Amir Muqam to oversee the distribution of relief goods and the recovery operations in the affected regions. 'Relevant federal ministers will personally supervise the restoration of electricity, water, roads, and other basic services. Whereas, all concerned ministers must personally visit affected areas in KP, AJK, and GB,' he said. The National Highway Authority (NHA) must prioritise restoring all routes for relief access without distinguishing between provincial and national highways. The Ministry of Communications, NHA, and Frontier Works Organization (FWO) must ensure the repair of roads and bridges. The Minister for Communications is directed to visit affected areas and directly monitor restoration efforts, the PM Office said in a statement. The Minister for Power is also instructed to inspect damaged regions and ensure power restoration on priority, it added. Meanwhile, the PMO said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has been directed to present a final assessment of damages immediately, submit a comprehensive plan for the distribution of relief items in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Possible torrential rains in Punjab: Punjab CM asks stakeholders to remain alert 'Until the last affected individual is helped and basic infrastructure is restored, federal ministers will remain on the ground,' the prime minister stated, adding all required resources could be received from the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry of Health has been directed to dispatch medicines and medical teams and establish health camps in the affected areas. The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has also been instructed to mobilise support for the victims. At the conclusion of the meeting, the prime minister and attendees offered prayers for the martyrs of the floods and for the speedy recovery of the injured. The forum was briefed about the efforts of the NDMA and officials designated by the PM for relief works. According to the briefing, 456 relief camps have been established and 400 rescue operations conducted so far, with trucks carrying relief supplies being dispatched, including today. The prime minister ordered that the most affected areas should receive aid first on a priority basis. A preliminary estimate puts losses to public and private property at over Rs126 million. The NDMA presented updates on the supply of rations, tents, medicines, medical teams, and other relief items. The premier ordered further increases in these supplies. It was also reported that the monsoon will continue until the second week of September, with six major spells already occurring and two more expected, whose effects may last through the end of September. Heavy rains, floods claim 313 lives across KP Several ministers and officials provided updates about situation in different areas. Federal Minister for Kashmir and GB Affairs Muqam briefed on the situation in Swat. Minister for Power Sardar Awais Khan Leghari reported on overall KP situaion. Special Assistant Mubarak Zeb Khan updated on Bajaur. The NHA chairman gave an update from Malakand. The secretary communications briefed from Gilgit. Other ministers, including Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, and Dr Musadik Malik, also shared updates on relief efforts in line with the prime minister's directions. The meeting was attended by key cabinet members and officials including Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Musadik Malik, Ahad Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Muqam, Leghari, Yousaf, Wattoo, Mubarak Zeb, NDMA Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik, and PM's Chief Coordinator Musharraf Zaidi, along with other senior officials.


Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Express Tribune
SBP working on exchange, interest rates for stability: says FinMin
Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has stated that the State Bank of Pakistan is working on the exchange rate and interest rate, and the situation is expected to improve further. The federal finance minister inaugurated the Job and Education Expo at the Expo Center, Karachi, organized by the Pakistan Hindu Council. At the expo, around 120 stalls were set up by various institutions and companies for students. Speaking to the media, Aurangzeb expressed gratitude to the organizers, saying that he had the opportunity to meet the country's future leadership here. He noted that both public and private institutions were present at the job fair, but the absence of the corporate sector was felt. He said that technology is the path to the future. Youth should work with their hearts and minds, and always strive for excellence. Speaking about the Independence Day celebration of the 'Marka-e-Haq,' the finance minister said that followers of all religions in the country commemorated it with great spirit. Read: PM pushes for cashless, digital economy He added that the corporate sector needs to step forward. Interest rate should not be made the single-point agenda. There is no button for growth; the real thinking should be about sustainable growth. The role of the government is to provide an enabling environment. Public-private partnerships are working successfully. We are moving toward the AI world, and there is no room for doubt that we must move forward. The finance minister said that ups and downs keep coming, but talent remains unaffected. Economic stability has now been achieved in the country. The three major rating agencies are positive about Pakistan. The State Bank is working on the exchange rate and interest rate, and as stability increases, the situation will improve further.


Express Tribune
14 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Has Quaid's economic vision been ignored?
On July 1, 1948, the Quaid-e-Azam articulated his vision for Pakistan's economic system. He strongly emphasised the need for a framework based on Islamic principles. He believed the Western economic model could not realise equality and happiness. He tasked the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to develop a system that ensured prosperity and fairness for all. In his words, "We must work our destiny in our own way and present to the world an economic system based on the true Islamic concept of equality of manhood and social justice. We will thereby be fulfilling our mission as Muslims and giving to humanity the message of peace, which alone can save and secure the welfare, happiness, and prosperity of mankind." Unfortunately, after the Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan lost its direction. The country adopted the liberal economic model without a comparative analysis. The liberal approach failed to deliver and created multiple problems. The country is now facing an economic, financial, and social crisis. Overemphasis on the private sector and private sector-led growth has triggered crises like the IPP-driven circular debt. This debt has crippled the economy. Growth remains under stress, and despite efforts, Pakistan is struggling to find a sustainable way to improve its growth rate. The social indicators are even more alarming. The World Bank estimates about 44.7% of the population lives below the poverty line. Of them, 16.5% are in extreme poverty, struggling to meet basic daily needs with no certainty about the future. Poverty is rising, despite government claims of investing in programmes like the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Each year, billions of rupees are spent on BISP, but the results are disappointing. Poverty continues to increase, raising questions about the programme's effectiveness and sustainability. Food insecurity is another concern. A 2013 study estimated that 58.8% of Pakistanis were food insecure. Conditions have likely worsened due to poor economic performance. Devaluation of the PKR has eroded people's purchasing power, limiting access to healthy food. Mismanagement in the agricultural sector has also led to lower production and reduced availability of quality food. These problems stem from structural flaws in the liberal model. It promotes wealth accumulation in a few hands and lacks redistribution mechanisms. Therefore, the first step to revive the economy should be adopting a more effective system. A study of different models shows each offers something useful. Yet, the Islamic economic model stands out as one of the most comprehensive. Why? Because it was designed by the Creator of the universe and implemented by His Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Prophet established a distinctive system of economics and well-being for humanity. This is why the Quaid-e-Azam urged the State Bank to base Pakistan's model on Islamic principles. The Islamic system denounces individualism, promotes collective welfare, discourages accumulation, and glorifies sharing with the needy. To achieve this, Islam introduced two powerful instruments. The first is the ban on Riba (interest), considered the root cause of economic and social ills. Riba is strictly prohibited. No one is allowed to give, take, or facilitate it. Islam views it as an exploitative practice and act of injustice. It accrues benefits by exploiting others' difficulties. It also contradicts the principle of kindness and societal norms. Societies thrive on cooperation, helping people overcome hardships. But a Riba-based system enables some to profit from the misery of others. This creates divisions, weakens cohesion, and breeds class systems. Riba also discourages investment in productive sectors. It prompts people to de-invest, undermining production and job creation. Many prefer to keep money in banks and earn interest without effort. This de-investment starts at the individual level and extends nationally. Thus, instead of a Riba-based system, Islam promotes kindness and voluntary sharing. Islam encourages Riba-free loans that support individuals and communities. The second instrument is Zakat, a system for redistributing wealth. The beauty of Zakat lies in its mandatory nature, but it applies only to the wealthy. This contrasts with liberal systems where everyone pays taxes regardless of income. In Islam, wealthy individuals must share at least 2.5% of their wealth with the poor. Zakat is an annual obligation, and the wealthier one grows, the greater the contribution. No additional rules or regulations are needed. Zakat distribution is restricted solely to the poor. It targets the most disadvantaged, aiming to improve their lives and living standards. The process continues until prosperity is widespread, and those eligible for Zakat no longer exist. This mechanism reduces inequality and bridges social gaps. Although mandatory for Muslims, other economic systems can also learn from it as a valuable case study. Zakat has an important economic dimension too. It boosts domestic consumption, which businesses seek. The poor use Zakat resources to buy essential goods and services. This stimulates markets and creates new business opportunities. Such instruments are not found in other models. The Islamic system prioritises social development and welfare without discrimination based on religion or ethnicity. It respects the right to accumulate wealth but binds it to social norms and Islamic laws. It fosters a culture of care and discourages exploitation. This creates the foundation for peace and prosperity. Yet, despite offering the best solutions to humanity's challenges, these instruments are not fully applied anywhere. Even Muslim countries and individuals, for whom they are obligatory, neglect them. Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. Still, implementation remains weak. Interestingly, in the modern world, we find limited resemblance in socialism with Chinese characteristics. This system helped China tackle poverty and inequality. But Muslim countries remain far from practicing their own divinely guided model. In conclusion, Pakistan must return to the Quaid-e-Azam's vision and adopt Islamic principles to build its economic framework. If not, the crises will persist, and the country will remain trapped in cycles of poverty, inequality, and instability. THE WRITER IS A POLITICAL ECONOMIST AND A VISITING RESEARCH FELLOW AT HEBEI UNIVERSITY, CHINA