RAWALPINDI: An Investiture Ceremony took place at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), awarded military honours to officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army in recognition of their exceptional bravery and distinguished service to the nation.
The event was attended by numerous senior military officials and the families of the award recipients. Among the decorations presented were the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat. Posthumous awards were respectfully received by the families of the martyrs.
In his address, the COAS paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans, stating, “Shuhada and Ghazis are our enduring pride. Their honour and reverence are a sacred trust upon every Pakistani. The peace and liberty we enjoy today are a direct result of the ultimate sacrifices made by these brave sons of the soil.”
The COAS also expressed deep respect for the resilience and strength of the families of the martyrs, recognising their tremendous sacrifices for the homeland.
Furthermore, he commended the unwavering commitment of the Pakistan Army and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAS), appreciating their tireless efforts in countering multiple terrorist threats and eliminating high-value terrorist operatives during ongoing counterterrorism operations.
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Also on the day, Corps Investiture Ceremonies were held at Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi to honour the bravery and meritorious service of its officers and soldiers. A large number of senior Army officers and families of awardees attended the ceremonies.
In Peshawar, Corps Commander Peshawar, Lieutenant General Omer Ahmed Bokhari, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Next of Kin of two Junior Commissioned Officers and 47 Soldiers received Tamgha-i-Basalat on behalf of Shuhadas. Four officers were awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and 11 officers were awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) for rendering meritorious services to the nation.
In Lahore, Commander Lahore Corps, Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah, Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Three Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and twenty-four soldiers were awarded Tamgha-i-Basalat (TBt) for their supreme sacrifices for the motherland. Twenty-eight officers were awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), and seventy-two officers were awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) for rendering meritorious services to the nation. Next of kin (NOK) of Shuhada received their awards (TBt) posthumously.
In Karachi, Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Muhammad Avais Dastgir attended the investiture ceremony as the chief guest. The Corps Commander awarded 10 officers with Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military), 4 Officers with Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military) and 16 Soldiers with Tamgha-e-Basalat for their meritorious service.
Across all three ceremonies, heartfelt tributes were paid to the Shuhada, and the unwavering commitment of the Pakistan Army to national defence and security was honoured with deep reverence.