Nation marks Youm-e-Tashakur to pay respects to armed forces

ISLAMABAD : The nation is marking ?Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Gratitude) to commemorate Pakistan’s success over India in the Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. The day dawned with special prayers and recitation from the Holy Quran in mosques across the country and a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals.
A ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam. Karachi Corps Commander Lt Gen Awais Dastagir attended the ceremony, laid a floral wreath at the grave of the Father of the Nation and offered Fateha.
Meanwhile, a similar ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal in Lahore. Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider paid his respects at the mausoleum, laid flowers, and offered Fateha.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah hoisted the national flag at the Sindh Secretariat. Speaking on the occasion, he heaped praise on the Armed Forces who “bravely gave a fitting response to Indian aggression.”
He said defending the homeland is the foremost duty of every Pakistani. “The sacrifices of our martyrs will not go in vain. The nation stands united like a wall against the enemy.”Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, meanwhile, hoisted the national flag at the Governor House in Peshawar.
He said on the occasion that “India mistook our silence for weakness. Innocent children and unarmed civilians were martyred during Indian aggression. The sacrifices of our martyrs for the homeland will never be forgotten.” Governor Kundi stated that when Pakistan responded to India, it showed the world its resolve. The Pakistan Armed Forces have proven that they are fully capable of defending the nation’s borders.
Pakistan has been pleading for calm and said a conflict between nuclear powers is something the world cannot afford, said the governor. The days is being observed across Azad Kashmir to mark the success of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. Ceremonies were held in educational institutions to pay tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces.
Flag-hoisting ceremonies were held across the country at major public places and locations.