RAWALPINDI – April 17, 2025:
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Thursday paid homage to the martyrs of Pakistan during an investiture ceremony at the General Headquarters (GHQ), recognizing their sacrifice as the foundation of the nation's peace and security.Tribute to the Brave: Investiture Ceremony at GHQ
In a solemn ceremony attended by senior military officials and families of the awardees, Gen Munir awarded gallantry medals to officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army for their exceptional service. Among the honors conferred were the Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-e-Basalat, with many medals presented posthumously to the families of the fallen.
“Our martyrs and ghazis are a symbol of national pride,” said Gen Munir. “Their legacy is a sacred trust for every Pakistani.”
The army chief emphasized that the freedoms and stability enjoyed by the nation today were made possible by the courage and sacrifices of these individuals. He praised the families of the shuhada (martyrs) for their remarkable strength and unshakable commitment to the country.
Security Landscape: Rising Terror Threats
Gen Munir’s address comes at a critical time for Pakistan’s internal security, with terror incidents escalating across key provinces. In the first quarter of 2025, the country recorded 897 fatalities and 542 injuries linked to acts of violence, according to data compiled by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). These incidents included terrorist attacks and counterterrorism operations, totaling 354 violent events.
The majority of the unrest continues to plague Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, two provinces bordering Afghanistan. Together, they account for approximately 98% of all fatalities, making them the primary theatres of militant activity. Security challenges in these areas have intensified, with militants adopting increasingly aggressive tactics, including the hijacking of the Jaffar Express, an unprecedented act in the current wave of violence.
Despite the grim statistics, the report notes a 13% decline in overall fatalities compared to the last quarter of 2024, which saw 1,028 deaths. Still, with projections estimating over 3,600 deaths by the end of 2025 if current trends persist, concerns are mounting over a potentially devastating year.
Military Resolve and Operational Successes
Acknowledging the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s security forces, Gen Munir commended their unyielding commitment to safeguarding the nation. He highlighted the Pakistan Army and Law Enforcement Agencies’ (LEAs) effective efforts in neutralizing numerous high-value terrorist operatives and averting major threats through sustained counterterrorism campaigns.
Of the 1,439 total casualties reported in Q1 2025, 495 were outlaws, while civilians and security forces combined suffered 402 fatalities, marking a notable reduction in losses among non-combatants and law enforcement.
Speaking at a separate event earlier this week, the COAS reassured overseas Pakistanis of the military’s capability to defend national integrity. “Even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan or Pakistan,” he declared, reflecting the armed forces' resolute stance.
Nation’s Debt to its Heroes
As Pakistan grapples with evolving security threats, the COAS’s tribute served as a reminder of the sacrifices borne by those in uniform and their families. The investiture ceremony not only recognized acts of bravery but also reinforced the military’s continued resolve to protect the homeland against all odds.
The Army’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to countering terrorism and securing peace, standing in solidarity with the families who have lost their loved ones in the line of duty.
0 Comments