ISLAMABAD: A special ceremony was held at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Headquarters under the auspices of the CDA Workers Union to honour the martyrs of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos on Thursday.

According to a press release, the CDA chairman was the chief guest on the occasion.

The event was also attended by CDA board members, the general secretary of the CDA Workers Union, officers and a large number of CDA employees.

Speaking on the occasion, the CDA chief stated that whenever the Pakistani nation faces difficult times, it stands together and united like an iron wall.

He said the world witnessed how the Pakistani nation stood shoulder-to-shoulder with its brave armed forces, which led to the enemy’s evil and nefarious designs being crushed into dust.

He emphasised that the Pakistani nation is a brave nation that will never hesitate to make any sacrifice for the defence of its sacred and beloved homeland, alongside its armed forces.

“While we may have differences among ourselves, when it comes to the honour of our motherland, the whole nation stands united as one,” he added.

He said that a Youm-e-Tashakkur (Thanksgiving Day) will be observed across Pakistan on Friday.

The CDA chairman prayed that our bodies, souls and wealth remain dedicated to the cause of the nation.

He paid tribute to the martyrs of the Pakistan Armed Forces, who proved their exceptional capabilities and demonstrated defensive superiority, making the nation proud.

The chairman stated that the entire nation stands united against Indian aggression and demands that the Kashmir issue be resolved according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

He remarked that through Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, the armed forces shattered the enemy’s dreams.

“Our forces humbled the enemy’s arrogance, for which we salute our brave armed forces from the core of our hearts.”

General Secretary of the CDA Workers Union, Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin, also spoke on the occasion and praised the armed forces for defeating India.

He said the entire nation was behind the armed forces and whenever enemies dared to launch an attack on Pakistan, they would be given a befitting reply. “We are a peaceful nation, but we know how to handle attackers,” he said.

At the end of the ceremony, special prayers were offered for the forgiveness and elevated status of Pakistan’s martyrs.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2025