Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced that Pakistan will annually observe May 10 as Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq (Day of the Battle for Truth) to commemorate the “magnificent success” of Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos and express national solidarity.
In a national address, he said the state would annually mark the date with fervor and passion, and pay tribute to the exceptional bravery and professionalism of the armed forces. “The professional capabilities of our brave forces kept our head high with pride,” he said.
This Friday, May 16, said Sharif, would be observed as a special day of tribute and gratitude, with the nation honoring the armed forces’ success in the defense of the motherland and bowing before Allah in thanks. They day would include special prayers in continuation of Youm-e-Tashakur, seeking progress for the country and the well-being of its people, he added.
During his address, the prime minister also unveiled a comprehensive support and compensation package for victims of Indian aggression. He said families of Pakistani civilians martyred during India’s unprovoked aggression would receive Rs. 10 million in compensation, while injured would receive amounts ranging from Rs. 1-2 million. Families of martyred personnel of the armed forces would receive compensation ranging from Rs. 10-18 million, contingent on the rank of the martyr.
Additionally, said Sharif, Rs. 19-42 million would be allocated to facilitate the provision of homes for the heirs of martyrs. The government also committed to maintaining the full salary, including allowances, of martyred soldiers up to their scheduled retirement date. “It is the responsibility of the government to take care of the children of martyrs, and we will fulfil this obligation,” he said.
Further, the prime minister announced that children of martyred soldiers would be entitled to free education up to the graduation level, while one daughter of every martyred serviceman would receive a marriage grant of Rs. 1 million. Injured military personnel would receive compensation of Rs. 2-5 million based on the severity of their injuries.
Sharif vowed that the federal government would reconstruct homes and mosques damaged in the Indian attacks. He said all individuals who rendered services for the protection of Pakistan’s honor and defense would be nationally acknowledged, and honored with awards.