Pakistan observes 'Thanksgiving Day' to celebrate victory in 'Operation Bunyan-um Marsoos'

Youm-e-Tashakur (Thanksgiving Day) was observed across Pakistan on Friday to commemorate the historic victory of Marka-e-Haq over India and to pay tribute to the armed forces and the resilient people of the country.

The day began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and special prayers in mosques across the country. A 31-gun salute was presented in the federal capital, while a 21-gun salute was held in the provincial capitals to mark the occasion.

Change of guard ceremonies were held at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held in both federal and provincial capitals.

Floral wreaths were laid at Yadgar-e-Shuhada, and families of the martyrs of Operation Bunyan-um Marsoos visited to honour their sacrifices.

The main ceremony took place at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif attended as the chief guest. The Chief of Army Staff and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee were also present.

Shahbaz hoisted the national flag at the Prime Minister’s Office House to mark the Thanksgiving Day.

PM Shahbaz, together with three chiefs of armed forces, flashes thumbs up during a visit to the Pakistan Air Force's base at Kamra. AFP

Across Pakistan, citizens came together to observe Youm-e-Tashakur, celebrating the success of Operation Bunyan-um Marsoos and expressing solidarity with the Armed Forces of Pakistan. Rallies were taken out in several cities of Pakistan.

In Hafizabad, the Anjuman Tajran led a rally from Press Club to Fawara Chowk, expressing gratitude for Pakistan’s military success. Kamalia witnessed a large rally from the Assistant Commissioner’s Office to Kalma Chowk, with citizens participating actively.

In Sukkur, the Municipal Corporation hosted a special event at the Walking Track Park, where Sindh’s tallest national flag-towering at 300 feet-was hoisted. Multan saw a major rally from the District Council Office to Chowk Kutchery, drawing participation from administrative officials, religious scholars, and citizens.

In Muzaffarabad, a tribute ceremony was held at the Martyrs' Monument, where ministers and the chief secretary laid floral wreaths. A well-coordinated police contingent presented a guard of honour. Similarly, in Athmuqam, the district complex hosted a flag salute ceremony, and police paid tribute with Pakistani and Kashmiri flags.

PM Shahbaz Sharif meets with a soldier who was injured during the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, at the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalpindi. AFP

Faisalabad held a major rally from District Council Chowk to Ghanta Ghar Chowk, led by the commissioner, deputy commissioner, RPO, and local MNAs. Dera Ghazi Khan’s community held Quran Khawani at Police Lines Mosque in honour of martyrs.

In Rawalpindi, Chaklala Cantonment Board organised a flag-hoisting ceremony with prayers for national unity and security. In Gojra, rallies were led by Anjuman Tajiran and Railway Road residents, with participation from the bar association and Christian community, while Quran recitation and prayer were held for martyrs.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released Yalghar Hai, a new national song, which hailed the bravery of Pakistan's military and the unity of the nation amid recent challenging times. Hussnain Ali Paracha wrote and performed the anthem, which was posted on ISPR's social media accounts with an impassioned message, urging the country to honour its spirit of patriotism and resiliency.

The ISPR describes Yalghar Hai as a celebration of the armed forces’ bravery, unity, and triumph. The song highlights the selfless dedication and unwavering resolve of every soldier standing guard for the motherland. It serves not only as a musical tribute but also as a symbol of national pride and collective strength. With deeply evocative lyrics and moving visuals, Yalghar Hai aims to ignite a sense of honour and inspiration in the hearts of Pakistanis across the globe.

In a message, the prime minister paid tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces who laid their lives for achieving success during, what he called, the Marka-e-Haq. "Today, Youm-e-Tashakur is being observed across the country to thank Allah Almighty for the magnificent success and victory of Pakistan against the open aggression and provocation of India.”

During the midnight of May 6 and May 7, India while acting cowardly attacked Pakistan resulting in the martyrdom of innocent Pakistani citizens and we were forced to respond for the sake of these innocent citizens, he added.

He said the world saw that in just a few hours an enemy which was many times bigger came to its knees and the planes which were pride of India turned into ashes and became a sign of a bitter lesson.

"Our Shaheens hammered the enemy and gave it a befitting reply,” he said adding the brave and professional armed forces of Pakistan effectively and fully responded in the language of the enemy and wrote a golden chapter in the military history and foiled the designs of the enemy.

"The army bases, piles of weapons and air bases turned into ruins in a blink of an eye,” he said and added that their Rafale fighter jets became target of our Shaheens and were defeated with the grace of Allah.

In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tributes to the valiant soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces and the entire military leadership on the occasion of Thanksgiving Day to observe the victory against India and said that it is a great moment for us to celebrate the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in response to Indian unprovoked aggression.

"I am grateful to Almighty Allah for blessing us with victory in this critical hour. I pay tribute to the valiant soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces and the entire military leadership, especially the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Chief of Naval Staff,” he said.