To pay homage to the sacrifices rendered by its Shuhada, Pakistan Army observed Youm-e-Shuhada Pakistan on the 30th of April 2012 at the GHQ Rawalpindi. The Yaum-e-Shuhda ceremony this year was marked with remembrance of soldiers who laid down their lives in the path of righteousness for the country. Attended by Chief Of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani , other top military officials, parlimentarians and the American Ambassador Marc Grossman, the occasion in particular served as a memoir to 139 soldiers of Pakistan who are still missing post avalanche disaster in Gayari sector of Siachen. The event was attended by large number of retired and serving army personals and families of the Jawans, who sacrificed their lives to ensure the safety and sovereignty of the Motherland.
After receiving the Chairman and deputy chairman of the Senate, Speakers of the National Assembly and othe top brass VIPs by COAS, Children dressed up in traditional outfits, ushered the families of the shuhada and war wounded jawans to their seats and The event started with National Anthem followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran.
Well know singer Khawar Jawad paid tribute to the affectees of Gyari Sector by singing “Yeh Ghazi”. After the welcome notes, Khawar Jawad recited the dua “Khuda kare”, which was followed by screening of special documentaries made on the lives of the selected shuhada. Relatives of the Shuhada were invited on the stage for brief talks after heart touching performance of Hadiqa Kayani and Najam Sheraz on famous National songs, “Is perchan k saye tale” and “Ae mard e mujahid”.
Afterwards a beautifully choreographed children’s parade was commenced with over 100 children carrying “diyas”, paying tribute to the sacrifices and resilience of the families of the shuhada, which was followed by a drum parade and trumpeters.
After the main parade the COAS was invited on the stage, addressing the esteemed guests and Jawans, Chief Of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani said that the main objective for all of us is to make Pakistan a strong country and we should not forget this objective. COAS added that the constitution clearly defines the role and responsibilities of every institution so we should perform our duties in such manner which improves our own and the country’s image.
After the speech all singers including Zeek Afridi, Sara, Hadiqa kayani, Najam Sheraz and Khawar Jawad were invited on the stage for the final chorus-Mere Watan k Shaheedon se. Singers were joined by children dressed in regional outfits.
To conclude the event NOKs of Shuhada were invited for flower laying and Flower petals were showered on the monuments by NOKs and general public.
