RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Monday said the nation owed its independence and security to the sacrifices of its martyrs, according to a news release by the military’s media wing.

He made these remarks while addressing a ceremony to confer military awards on personnel for their acts of gallantry during operations.

Senior army officers and families of award recipients attended the investiture ceremony held at General Headquarters.

Officers and soldiers were awarded medals, including Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat, an Inter-Services Public Relations news release said, adding that the medals awarded to the martyrs posthumously were received by their family members.

Paying tributes to the martyrs and other personnel, the COAS said there was nothing more noble than laying one’s life for the motherland’s defence.

“The martyrs and ghazis are our national heroes, and the nation owes its independence and security to the sacrifices of its valiant warriors.”

“[T]he sacrifices of our martyrs strengthen our resolve to fight with utmost dedication and spirit of sacrifice,” he added.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2024