Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a farewell visit to General Headquarters (GHQ), the military's media wing said on Tuesday.
According to the inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), PM Shehbaz was received by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.
The prime minister met with the Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and was presented with the Guard of Honour and laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada.
The prime minister appreciated the role of armed forces in protecting the territorial integrity of the country and robustly fighting the menace of terrorism across Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz also attended a ceremony as chief guest to pay tribute to the Shuhadas and Ghazis.
The ceremony was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, officers, ministers and families of Shuhada and Ghazis.
PM Shehbaz termed the ceremony to honour Shuhada and Ghazis as a dignified occasion paid tribute to their great sacrifices.
He said that they had laid down their lives for the defence of the country by setting unmatched precedents of bravery, valour and sacrifice, adding that the nation had been rendering sacrifices since the creation of Pakistan.
The premier said that they had made Pakistan more secure with their sacrifices and saved it from the evil designs of the enemies.
“Shuhadas and Ghazis are our pride and their respect and honour is binding on each Pakistani. We must never forget that the peace and freedom we enjoy today is due to the ultimate sacrifices rendered by these brave sons of soil. I salute their families for sacrificing their loved ones for Pakistan,” he added.
PM Shehbaz said that it was now their earnest duty that they realised the supreme sacrifices of Shuhadas and Ghazis into the prosperity and well-being of each Pakistani.
He further said that those who resorted to desecration of monuments of Shuhada, their faces would remain blackened in the history of this country and the proud people of Pakistan would never forget them.
The prime minister stressed that they all have to strive to rebuild Pakistan collectively.
"On 14th August Pakistan would celebrate its 76th anniversary. The nation has to traverse the path carved out by their shuhada to make Pakistan a prosperous and developed country, " he said.
Speaking about the challenges faced by the country, PM Shehbaz said that owing to the relentless efforts of the incumbent government, Pakistan had been out of the most difficult times.
The prime minister said that the incumbent government would complete its term on Wednesday (Tomorrow) and after which they would hand over the reign of the government to an interim set-up in accordance with the constitution.
A comprehensive plan was put in place for the progress and prosperity of the country by the incumbent government, he said, adding Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) had given that vision for the progress of Pakistan with the development of agriculture, minerals and IT sectors.
He further said that under that plan, foreign investment worth billions of dollars would be made in the country.
The prime minister underlined that for the elimination of poverty and unemployment, they should rid Pakistan of foreign debts with sincerity, devotion and hard work.
On Independence Day, they should pledge to work day and night for the country as much water had already flown under the bridges, he added.
On the occasion, the prime minister appreciated the efforts of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and his team and the present federal and provincial governments for the bright and prosperous future of Pakistan.
He also distributed cheques of Special Financial Assistance amongst 70 families of martyrs and 30 War Wounded Persons.
Laptops were also distributed amongst the wards of Shuhada who are undergoing their academic pursuits.
