LAHORE: Political parties, civil society and bureaucracy of the province on Thursday organised rallies and ceremonies to observe Youm-i-Takreem Shuhada-i-Pakistan.

Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman visited the mausoleum of Major Shabir Sharif Shaheed (NH) to pay homage to the martyrs and their families. He laid a floral wreath and offered Fatiha at the grave of the martyr.

He said that living nations always remember their martyrs with honor and respect, and “today we renew the pledge to hold our martyrs and their families in high esteem”.

He said that the country and nation were indebted to the precious blood of the martyrs and were proud of the great sacrifices they rendered for the country. Deputy Commissioner Lahore Rafia Haider was also present on this occasion.

RAILWAY: A ceremony at the Central Police Office Railways saw a guard of honour to the martyrs.

Inspector General of Pakistan Railways Police Dr Rao Sardar Ali Khan placed floral wreath on the martyrs’ memorial and prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and the development and stability of the country. Senior officers including DIG North Dr. Muhammad Waqar Abbasi participated in the event.

Also, SPs of all eight divisions of railways police organised ceremonies in their respective Police Lines regarding Martyrs’ Day and also offered special prayers for the high status of martyrs and the development and stability of the country. Apart from this, bouquets were sent to the homes of the martyrs of the Railways Police to show solidarity with their families.

In this regard, IG Railways Police said that those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country would always be revered and their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

LCCI: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry paid rich tribute to the brave heroes who laid down their lives for the defense and prosperity of the country. LCCI President Kashif Anwar was a special guest while a large number of businessmen attended the ceremony and paid rich tributes to the national heroes. The ceremony began with the national anthem and paying tributes to the fallen heroes.

RUDA: The Ravi Urban Development Authority (Ruda) staff at a ceremony remembered the martyrs who laid their lives while protecting the motherland and its people.

Ruda Chief Executive Officer Imran Amin said, “Our brave heroes who have laid their lives for our homeland deserve our respect and homage.”

“The time has come that we all stand together to pay tribute to our martyrs and honor their sacrifices,” he added.

LWMC: The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) workers deployed 2,000 of its workers to attend a rally on The Mall to pay tribute to the martyrs.

Apart from the rally, LWMC teams also conducted a special cleanliness operation in and around the multiple graveyards of the city in connection with Youm-i-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan.

LWMC took special measures and cleared more than 6000 containers of the city followed by cleaning and washing of the city.

LWMC CEO Babar Sahib Din stated in this regard, “We are proud of our valiant martyrs who displayed the spirit of patriotism and fearlessness in testing times throughout their history. We along with the nation owe to the heroism and sacrifices offered by the jawans and officers of our Armed Forces, including Pakistan Army, Rangers, Air Force, Navy, Police, and other security institutions that made Pakistan’s defense impregnable.”

CCPO: Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana conveyed a heartfelt tribute on the occasion of Martyrs’ Honor Day, paying homage to all the courageous martyrs.

He emphasised that the martyrs from the armed forces, police, and other law enforcement agencies are a tremendous source of pride and honor for the nation. These individuals selflessly laid down their lives to ensure the safety and security of our beloved motherland.

He underlined that the martyrs, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, are an enduring symbol of pride for the entire Pakistani nation. He further reiterated the unwavering commitment of the police force to prioritize the well-being of the martyrs’ families and their welfare.

The CCPO emphasised that the memories of the martyrs will forever be engraved in our hearts.

PPP: The PPP also organised a rally in Multan to observe Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan.

Hundreds of PPP workers carried placards and banners inscribed with slogans in favour of the martyred persons. Former MPA Syed Ali Haider Gilani led the rally.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2023