Thanksgiving Day is Celebrated Nationwide For the Bunyan Marsus Victory
The great military victory of the Pakistan Army, “Operation Banyan Marsus”, was celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country today as a day of thanksgiving.
The day began with Quran recitation in mosques across the country, prayers after Fajr prayers and prayers of thanksgiving, in which prayers were offered for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs, national security and the freedom of Kashmir.
Flag hoisting at the Prime Minister’s House, address to the nation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the flag hoisting ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House and while addressing the nation, said that by giving an effective and crushing response to India’s aggression, the Pakistani armed forces have set a new example in military history.
He said that Pakistan desires peace but there will be no compromise on defending the homeland. The army, with its determination, professionalism and sacrifice, sent a message to the enemy that Pakistan’s sovereignty is sacred.
President’s Message on Thanksgiving Day
In his special message, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the Pakistani armed forces and said, “This victory is not just a military victory but a victory of the entire nation. We forced the enemy to retreat with patience, forbearance and dignity.”
Rejecting the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, he said that Pakistan will not compromise on its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.
The day began with a 31-gun and 21-gun salute
The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital Islamabad, while in the provincial capitals, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, 21-gun salutes were fired. The military forces, in full force, saluted, and the atmosphere echoed with slogans of “Nara-e-Takbir, Allahu Akbar”, “Pakistan Zindabad”, “Afwaj-e-Pakistan Payendabad”.
Visit to Quaid and Iqbal’s mausoleums, Fateha Khawani
In Karachi, Corps Commander Lieutenant General Owais Dastgir laid flowers at the Quaid’s mausoleum and offered Fateha Khawani, while in Lahore, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider visited the mausoleum of Iqbal. National solidarity was expressed at both places in recognition of the success of the forces.
Skardu students’ song, expression of public sentiment
The youth of Baltistan also appeared to be filled with patriotic sentiment. The students of Aswa Boys School Skardu won the hearts of the audience by presenting the song “Mere Watan Yeh Ikhtiin, Watan Par Qurban”, which was a beautiful expression of public love for the forces.
Special Jirga in North Waziristan, Solidarity with Pakistan Army
Tribal elders held a special jirga in Miranshah, which was attended by General Officer Commanding Major General Adil Iftikhar. Tribal elders expressed their complete solidarity with the Pakistani forces, paid tribute to the martyrs and announced that victory celebrations and rallies would be held in North Waziristan.
Nationwide celebrations, public expressions of emotion on social media
Thanksgiving Day celebrations, rallies, songs and public gatherings were held across the country. A large number of citizens turned out to watch the gun salute, while social media was flooded with messages paying tribute to the Pakistani forces.
