Muzaffarabad: In a poignant display of gratitude and respect, young Kashmiri children from both sides of Jammu and Kashmir convened in Muzaffarabad on Friday to pay tribute to the armed forces of Pakistan. The ceremony recognized the military’s dedication to national defense and its role in advocating for the oppressed people of Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the tribute was organized by the Sawera Foundation, led by Tanveer-ul-Islam. The foundation is known for its efforts to foster peace and education among the underprivileged communities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The event featured a variety of speakers, including Muzaffarabad’s notable political and social leader Zahid Amin as the chief guest, alongside Kashmiri refugee leader Zameer Naz and senior journalist Tariq Naqash.
Throughout the gathering, children such as Yusra Imtiaz, Hibba Naveed, Konain Fatima, and others delivered speeches in both Urdu and English. They discussed the significance of Defence Day, recounted the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces, and underscored the nation’s resilience against external aggression. The speakers also paid homage to the martyrs, extolling their bravery as a symbol of pride and a beacon of hope for a unified and formidable Pakistan.
The resolution presented at the event reiterated the commitment of the Sawera Foundation to contributing to Pakistan’s prosperity through educational initiatives, innovation, and civic participation. It also called upon Gen Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, to persist in advocating for the freedom and justice of Kashmiris under oppression.
The event also served as a reminder of the historical tensions between Pakistan and India, with Amin recalling the 1965 war triggered by Indian incursions in Kashmir. Naqash emphasized the essential role of public support for military success and warned against the divisive tactics employed by adversaries through modern warfare techniques.
The ceremony concluded with a collective appeal to the younger generation to remain vigilant and united against any divisive external influences, reinforcing the deep-seated bond between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the Pakistani armed forces.