Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir on Thursday stated that the peace and freedom Pakistan enjoys today are a result of the sacrifices made by its soldiers.
His remarks came during an investiture ceremony at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, as per a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
During the ceremony, General Munir presented military awards, including the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat, to officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army for their exceptional bravery in operations and distinguished service to the country.
The event was attended by numerous senior military officials and families of the awardees. Medals awarded posthumously were accepted by the families of the fallen heroes.
Paying tribute to the martyrs and war veterans, the COAS said, “Our martyrs (shuhada) and veterans (ghazis) are a lasting source of pride. Honoring them is a sacred responsibility for every Pakistani. The peace and liberty we enjoy today are the result of the ultimate sacrifices of these brave sons of the nation.”
General Munir also praised the resilience and strength of the families of martyrs, acknowledging their unmatched contributions to the country.
The army chief further commended the Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) for their unwavering commitment in countering terrorism, highlighting their continuous efforts to neutralize terrorist threats and eliminate high-value targets.
His comments follow recent strong statements in which he pledged to eliminate all obstacles hindering Pakistan’s progress and reaffirmed the country’s resolve to combat terrorism. “Do Pakistan’s enemies think a few terrorists can decide the fate of our country?” he asked. “Even ten generations of terrorists cannot damage Balochistan or Pakistan.”
According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, Pakistan is ranked second, with a 45% rise in terrorist-related deaths over the past year, reaching 1,081 casualties.
March saw a surge in militant activity and security operations, with over 100 attacks recorded—the highest monthly total since November 2014—according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
In a recent attack, a blast in Balochistan’s Mastung district targeted a Balochistan Constabulary vehicle, resulting in the deaths of three police officers and injuries to 20 others. On the same day, a roadside bomb injured eight people—three security personnel and five civilians—in Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after targeting a Frontier Corps vehicle.
