Islamabad, May 16, 2025: The nation observed Youm-i-Tashakur (Day of Gratitude) on Friday to honour the armed forces and citizens for their resilience and valour in Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, a key component of Marka-i-Haq, following recent hostilities with India.
The military confrontation began after India accused Pakistan of orchestrating the Pahalgam attack. In response, India launched a series of airstrikes on Pakistani territory on the night of May 6–7, resulting in civilian casualties. A subsequent exchange of missiles between the two nuclear-armed neighbours lasted several days before diplomatic intervention from the United States led to a ceasefire.
On Monday, the directors general of military operations from both countries held their first round of post-ceasefire talks.
The day began with special prayers offered in mosques nationwide. A 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in each provincial capital marked the formal commencement of Youm-i-Tashakur.
The main ceremony was held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif served as the chief guest. Also in attendance were the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir.
In a statement broadcast on Pakistan Television, Prime Minister Sharif lauded the armed forces’ “brave and professional” response, describing their efforts as a “golden chapter in military history.” He condemned the Indian strikes as a “cowardly attack” that martyred innocent civilians and praised the swift and effective retaliation by Pakistan’s military.
“Our falcons delivered precise and powerful strikes, reducing enemy military bases, arms depots, and airfields to rubble,” the premier said. He also commended the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and Admiral Naveed Ashraf for safeguarding Pakistan’s airspace and maritime borders.
A government-released video on X (formerly Twitter) showed Prime Minister Sharif hoisting the national flag at the Prime Minister’s House.
In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah led a flag-hoisting ceremony attended by provincial ministers and officials. He announced compensation of Rs10 million each for the families of the seven martyrs from Sindh — six Pakistan Air Force personnel from Bholari and one civilian from Ghotki — and Rs1 million for the injured.
In Peshawar, Rescue 1122 officials held a ceremony featuring a minute of silence and prayers for the fallen. Director General Shah Fahad told that the event included a walk where participants raised national slogans in honour of the martyrs.
Punjab Police also paid tribute to the armed forces. Inspector General Usman Anwar expressed condolences and appreciation for the sacrifices made by personnel involved in the operation. “We honour the heroes who laid down their lives, as well as those who returned victorious,” he said. He added that full security arrangements had been implemented for related ceremonies and rallies across Punjab, including in Lahore.
