Youm-e-Shuhada to be observed on every April 30: Gen Kayani
* President, PM pay homage to martyrs
* Bakshi says sacrifices of armed forces to be remembered in history
ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: A special programme was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in connection with Youm-e-Shuhada to pay tribute to the sacrifices rendered by the martyrs of the Pakistan armed forces while protecting the country and fighting terrorism.
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani laid a floral wreath at the site of Yadgar Shuhada.
Speaking on the occasion, Kayani paid tribute to the officers and jawans of the Pakistan Army who had embraced martyrdom in the ongoing war on terror. He said that Youm-e-Shuhada would be commemorated every year on April 30.
“In the past 63 years, the Pakistan Army has lost 15,000 soldiers, including 2,700 who sacrificed their lives in the war against terror. I am proud to say that the armed forces are part of the nation and the country is with the army,” Kayani said.
President, PM: Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari said the sacrifices rendered by the armed forces, police, law enforcement agencies and people in the fight against terrorism would not go in vain, APP reported
Also, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani paid homage and tribute to the courage and patriotism of the country’s brave soldiers for their sacrifice for peace and security of Pakistan.
Remembered: Separately, Lahore Corps Commander Lieutenant General Ijaz Ahmed Bakhshi said the sacrifices rendered by the officers of the armed forces to uphold the integrity and sovereignty of the country will forever be remembered.
New Mangla corps commander: Lt Gen Muhammad Mustafa Khan took over as the new corps commander of Mangla following the retirement of Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed. staff report/app