Youm-e-Tashakkur is being observed across Pakistan today (Friday) to honour the Armed Forces and the Pakistani people for their successful efforts in Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos and the broader struggle against Indian aggression.
The day began with special prayers and Quran recitation in mosques throughout the country. A 31-gun salute was carried out in the federal capital after Fajr prayers, while provincial capitals marked the occasion with 21-gun salutes.
Change of guard ceremonies were conducted at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi and Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal in Lahore.
Special gatherings will also be held with the families of martyrs from Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos to pay tribute to their sacrifices.
The main event will take place at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will serve as the chief guest. High-ranking military officials, including the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of Army Staff, will also attend.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that the ceasefire between Pakistan and India has been extended until May 18. The decision followed a series of hotline communications between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. Initial contact on May 10 resulted in a ceasefire agreement until May 12, which was extended to May 14 in a second discussion, and further extended to May 18 during the latest exchange between Pakistan’s DGMO Major General Kashif Abdullah and India’s Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai.
