Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasisaid that the Pakistan Army was the identity of the entire nation and vowed that the people of Pakistan would stand shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in defending the country, without caring for their lives.Addressing a ceremony organised by Anjuman-e-Tajran Commercial Market to pay tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces, the minister said the nation saluted its martyrs and stood united with the military above all political considerations.

“The death of a martyr is the life of a nation,” he remarked. The event, organised by Anjuman-e-Tajran Commercial Market President Malik Sohail Awan, was attended by a large number of traders’ representatives, political leaders and social figures. The ceremony began with recitation from the Holy Quran and featured patriotic songs dedicated to the martyrs and veterans of the armed forces. Abbasi congratulated Malik Sohail Awan and his team on holding what he termed a dignified and successful event. 

Abbasi alleged that those claiming to oppose individuals and not the army were, in fact, responsible for attacks on state institutions, including the burning of the Corps Commander’s house, assaults on GHQ and ISI offices, and the vandalism of martyrs’ statues. He said such actions had caused serious damage to national institutions and unity. The minister said Pakistan had always shown restraint in the face of aggression but would respond decisively when compelled. Referring to an attack on Nur Khan Airbase, he stated that Pakistan was left with no option but to strike back at the enemy.

He added that the challenges of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan reflected the gravity of the current security situation, requiring national unity and resolve. Abbasi also highlighted what he described as signs of economic recovery, saying the country’s economy was moving towards stability and growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He noted that defence agreements with several countries were in their final stages and announced that a Rs300 million development project for Rawalpindi’s Commercial Market would soon be launched under the Punjab government.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)