Key points
- Aim of the day is to pay homage to armed forces and people over victory
- Pakistan president, prime minister pay tribute to martyrs of Marka-e-Haq
- Special meetings are being held with families of martyrs of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos to pay tribute to them
ISLAMABAD: Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Gratitude) is being observed today in Pakistan to pay homage to Armed Forces and the people over victory in Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos and Marka-e-Haq.
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the day dawned with special prayers in Mosques and recitation of holy Quran.
The day began with a 31-gun salute after Fajar prayers in the federal capital and 21-gun salute at provincial capitals.
Martyrs of Marka-e-Haq
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to martyrs of Marka-e-Haq.
In their messages on Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Gratitude), they said the day is being observed to thank Allah Almighty for the magnificent victory of Pakistan against the open aggression of India.
President Zardari said Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty, territorial integrity and core national interests, Radio Pakistan reported.
He said it is a great moment for us to celebrate the victory of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in response to Indian unprovoked aggression.
“A golden chapter”
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said brave and professional armed forces of Pakistan effectively responded in the language of the enemy and wrote a golden chapter in the military history.
The prime minister said our Shaheens hammered the enemy and gave it a befitting reply.
He said this is not only victory of our Armed Forces but also success of our principles as honourable and dignified nation.
Change of guard ceremonies are being held at mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam in Karachi and at mausoleum of national poet Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal in Lahore this morning.
Special meetings are being held with the families of the martyrs of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos to pay tribute to them.
The main ceremony of Day of Gratitude is being held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be the chief guest of the ceremony, while the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of Army Staff will also grace the ceremony, Radio Pakistan reported.
