A strong army guarantees security, unity of country: COAS

Rawalpindi: Award distribution ceremony in honor of martyrs and veterans was held at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Monday.      

Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir conferred military awards on the officers and troops of Pakistan Army for their bravery and outstanding service to the nation during operations.                      

51 officers were awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), 22 officers and Jawans were awarded Tamgha-e-Basalat and two Jawans were awarded special medals of the United Nations.          

A large number of senior officers of Pakistan Army and families of martyrs participated in the ceremony.      

Speaking on the occasion, the Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir said we are living in a free land due to great sacrifices rendered by the martyrs.

He said sacrifices of martyrs and services of Ghazis are our valuable asset.  He said Pakistan Army as an institution always remembers martyrs and their bereaved families.

The Army Chief said every soldier and officer of the Pakistan Army puts his duties and responsibilities first, regardless of regional, linguistic, and political prejudices.

He said a strong army guarantees the security and unity of the country.              

Condemning recent attacks on military installations and memorials of martyrs, he said such incidents are intolerable.

The Army Chief announced to celebrate "Youm-e-Takreem-e-Shuhada-e-Pakistan" on Thursday.