MILITARY

The nation came together on Friday to commemorate Youm-i-Tashakur, a day of gratitude and pride, marking Pakistan's declared victory in Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos — a military response against Indian aggression, which was part of the broader campaign Marka-i-Haq. The celebrations were held nationwide to honour the armed forces and civilians who played a crucial role during the recent confrontation with India.
The conflict escalated following the Pahalgam attack, for which India blamed Pakistan. In retaliation, India launched air strikes on the night of May 6-7, resulting in civilian casualties in Pakistan. What followed was a tense week of missile exchanges between the nuclear-armed neighbours, which only subsided after American diplomatic intervention led to a ceasefire.
Special prayers were offered in mosques nationwide to begin the day, accompanied by a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, as reported by state-run Radio Pakistan.
The main ceremony was held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif served as chief guest. Also in attendance were Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir.
PM Shehbaz hailed the bravery of the armed forces, stating they had written a “golden chapter in military history” by delivering a powerful response to Indian aggression. “Our falcons struck such effective blows that the enemy’s military bases, weapons depots and air bases were turned into ruins,” he said, paying tribute to the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and Admiral Naveed Ashraf for their roles in the air and sea domains.
A video posted by the government on X (formerly Twitter) showed the prime minister hoisting the national flag at the PM House.
In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah raised the national flag and revealed that seven individuals from Sindh were martyred — six PAF personnel in Bholari and one civilian from Ghotki. The CM announced Rs10 million compensation for the families of martyrs and Rs1 million for those injured.
In Peshawar, Rescue 1122 marked the day with a ceremony and walk. DG Shah Fahad confirmed a minute of silence and special prayers for the martyred and injured. National slogans were raised by participants to show solidarity.
Punjab Police also paid tribute to the PAF and martyrs. IG Usman Anwar stated that full security was ensured for events across the province and praised the bravery of those who fought for the nation.
In a moving gesture, PM Shehbaz visited the home of martyred Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf to offer condolences. He was accompanied by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, COAS Munir, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
The premier also visited Rawalpindi’s Combined Military Hospital to inquire after injured soldiers and civilians. He praised their resilience and sacrifice, declaring that the nation's unity and courage in this conflict would be remembered as a decisive chapter in Pakistan’s military legacy.