By Ghulam Murtaza Mir
In a recent incident that unfolded on May 9, Pakistan witnessed a deeply unsettling event that shook the nation to its core. Military installations were vandalized, and the sacred monuments of Shuhada, the martyrs who embody the spirit of the armed forces, were desecrated.
The sanctity of the Shuhada of Pakistan holds the utmost importance, irrespective of their respective fields or law enforcement agencies they work for. Whether they belonged to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, or civilians, these individuals, through their selflessness and sacrifice, uplifted the spirit of Pakistan and fortified its integrity.
While those who took part in vandalizing state property and desecrating the sacred monuments should be taken to task, it is crucial to acknowledge the presence of miscreants who harbour malicious intent toward Pakistan. This incident serves as a lesson for the people, urging them to reflect on the ‘May 9th arson’ and never to repeat such actions in the future. It is imperative that if a similar situation were to arise again, those protesting, even in a peaceful manner, should immediately come together to halt any aggressive mob attempting to vandalize and desecrate the monuments of our martyrs.
The question arises: what did these miscreants hope to achieve? Their primary goal was to sow discord between the armed forces and the citizenry. The tragic events of May 9 expose the tactics of grey zone warfare that have been unleashed upon Pakistan.
The youth, who constitute a significant portion of the population, are particularly susceptible to exploitation through misinformation warfare and social media manipulation. This misinformation confuses them and incites them to attack the state without comprehending the consequences. Despite having diverse political allegiances, people in other countries universally honour the sanctity of their martyrs, refraining from attacking or desecrating their memory.
Such events of violence, vandalism, and desecration not only inflict damage upon state property and disrespect the martyrs, but they also have a profound impact on the integrity and morale of the armed forces of Pakistan. When the monuments and symbols representing the sacrifices of the Shuhada are desecrated, it undermines the sense of honour and pride that soldiers associate with their service. If the nation fails to uphold the sanctity and grace of its soldiers and their sacrifices, it raises questions about the value placed on their lives and their dedication to defending the motherland.
It becomes crucial to preserve the sanctity of the martyrs’ monuments and instil in every soldier the unwavering belief that their sacrifices will be cherished, respected, and remembered, even in the face of adversities. This ensures that the spirit of martyrdom and the commitment to defending the nation remains a source of inspiration and motivation for the soldiers who selflessly put their lives on the line.
Is it even conceivable to entertain politics or biases when a soldier lays down his life to defend his motherland? No, a Shaheed transcends all such divisions. They do not represent any particular ethnicity, race, sect, or religion—they embody the ultimate value of life, sacrificing themselves for the greater good of their country.
Today, the families of the Shuhada are filled with anguish. They demand to know why the national symbols were desecrated. Were those who committed these acts terrorists, or were they simply unaware that Shuhada do not die, but live eternally, receiving sustenance from the divine? The significance of martyrs is embedded in all religions, and the Holy Quran teaches us they remain alive, aware of the happenings in their country. Imagine how the families of these martyrs must feel to learn that their loved ones’ monuments were desecrated by the very masses for whom they made the ultimate sacrifice.
Every citizen has the right to peacefully protest, aligned with their chosen political party. However, it is crucial to remember that the leaders of these political parties should rise above all biases when it comes to safeguarding the respect and sanctity of the Shuhada. Political parties should be well-informed and equipped to gauge the public’s sentiments.
Looking ahead, it is imperative to make sure that the elders of families ensure that their children will not be swayed or exploited by miscreants during times of public violence, vandalism, and desecration of martyrs’ monuments. This can also be achieved through comprehensive educational programs and initiatives that focus on fostering critical thinking, resilience, and a strong sense of national identity.
In conclusion, the recent events of May 9 have emphasized the importance of commemorating Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan on May 25, 2023. The vandalism of military installations, desecration of Shuhada monuments, and damage to state property highlight the need to uphold the sanctity of our martyrs. Their sacrifices, regardless of their field or affiliation, represent the highest values of sacrifice and devotion. By honoring their memory, we ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten and that the sanctity of their legacy shapes our nation’s future with unity and resilience.
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