COAS pays tribute to Martyrs, reaffirms resolve against terrorism
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Thursday paid heartfelt tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs, acknowledging their supreme sacrifices and reaffirming the nation’s unwavering commitment to counter terrorism.
“Shuhada and Ghazis are our eternal pride. Their honour and respect are a sacred trust for every Pakistani,” said Gen Munir during an investiture ceremony held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
The ceremony, attended by senior military officials and families of the recipients, saw Gen Munir bestowing honours on officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army for their extraordinary bravery in operations and distinguished service to the country. Among the awards conferred were the Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-e-Basalat. Medals awarded posthumously were accepted with dignity by the families of the fallen heroes.
“The peace and freedom we enjoy today are owed to the ultimate sacrifices of these brave sons of the soil,” the COAS stated, paying homage to the martyrs. He also expressed deep respect for the resilience and courage of the shuhada’s families, acknowledging their unmatched sacrifices for the nation.
Commending the unwavering resolve of the Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies, Gen Munir lauded their tireless efforts in foiling numerous terrorist threats and eliminating high-value targets in ongoing counterterrorism operations.
His remarks come at a time when Pakistan continues to face a troubling surge in terrorist activity, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan — provinces that share borders with Afghanistan and have borne the brunt of recent violence.
According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), KP and Balochistan accounted for 98% of all fatalities in recent attacks, including high-profile incidents like the hijacking of the Jaffar Express. Projections warn that if the current trajectory continues, 2025 could become one of the deadliest years for Pakistan, with an estimated 3,600 fatalities by year-end.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 897 deaths and 542 injuries were reported across 354 incidents involving both terrorism and counterterror operations — a total of 1,439 casualties. While these numbers reflect a nearly 13% decline from Q4 2024 (which recorded 1,028 fatalities), the human cost remains significant.
Of the total fatalities, 495 were reported among outlaws, while civilians and security personnel suffered 402 deaths — approximately 19% fewer than militant losses. Combined, civilian and security forces’ casualties made up around 45% of all fatalities this quarter.
Earlier this week, while addressing a convention of overseas Pakistanis, Gen Munir had also reiterated the army’s firm stance on national security, stating, “Even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan or Pakistan.”
