COAS General Asim Munir Pays Tribute to Martyrs

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Thursday lauded the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs, who gave their lives for the country.

“The martyrs (Shuhada) and veterans (Ghazis) are a source of great pride for us. Respecting their honor is a sacred duty for every Pakistani,” General Munir stated during an investiture ceremony at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

The ceremony was attended by senior military officers and families of the recipients. The army chief bestowed honors upon officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, recognizing their bravery in operations and distinguished service to the nation.

The awards included the Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-e-Basalat. Families of the deceased martyrs received posthumous medals.

“The peace and freedom we enjoy today are because of the sacrifices made by these brave sons of the soil,” the COAS noted, as he honored the martyrs.

He also praised the resilience and strength of the martyrs’ families, acknowledging their sacrifices for the country.

The COAS also commended the Pakistan Army and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) for their continuous efforts in countering terrorist threats and eliminating key terrorist figures in ongoing counterterrorism operations.

The army chief’s statement comes amid a rise in terrorist incidents in the country, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which share borders with Afghanistan, being the most affected.

According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), KP and Balochistan are the primary sites of violence, accounting for 98% of all fatalities. The report noted bolder attacks and evolving militant tactics, including the hijacking of the Jaffar Express. Projections suggest over 3,600 fatalities by the end of the year if current trends continue, potentially making 2025 one of Pakistan’s deadliest years.

In the first quarter of 2025, Pakistan saw 897 violence-related deaths and 542 injuries among civilians, security personnel, and militants. The total of 1,439 casualties resulted from 354 violent incidents, including terror attacks and counter-terror operations. Compared to the 1,028 fatalities in the fourth quarter of 2024, there has been a nearly 13% reduction in overall violence.

Speaking at a convention for overseas Pakistanis recently, the COAS addressed the security situation, stating that no amount of terrorists could harm Balochistan or Pakistan, even over many generations.

Civilians and security personnel suffered 402 fatalities, nearly 19% fewer than the 495 militants killed. Combined losses accounted for nearly 45% of all fatalities, while militants made up over 55% of the total recorded this quarter.