Rawalpindi  -  People from all walks of life here on Friday observed Youm-e-Tashakur to mark the successful defence of the homeland by the armed forces against uncalled for aggression of India. Both government and non-government organisations at different platforms held rallies and gatherings besides special prayers were offered in mosques after Friday prayers to thank the Almighty for the success of operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. The celebrations regarding Youm-e-Tashakur in Rawalpindi began with Quran recitation and prayers. The main ceremony organized by the district administration was held at Government Viqar-un-Nisa College Rawalpindi. The ceremony was attended by MNA Tahira Aurangzeb, MNA Daniyal Chaudhry, Senator Nasir Butt and members of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab. Commissioner Rawalpindi Aamer Khattak, RPO Babar Sarfraz Alpa, DC Rawalpindi Hasan Waqar Cheema, administrative officers, religious scholars, students, teachers and people of every school of thought also attended the ceremony.

The flag hosting ceremony was also held on the occasion. 

Addressing the ceremony, Tahira Aurangzeb said that the entire nation is grateful to Allah Almighty Who gave us victory over the enemy. The Pakistan Army not only successfully defended the country but also defeated the enemy in their home. The Pakistani nation stands by its forces. She said that we are proud of our martyrs and ghazis. 

Army Chief General Hafiz Asim Munir did something that is unparalleled in history. Addressing the ceremony, Senator Nasir Butt said when the history of 1965, 1971 will be written, the history of May 10 will also be written. In just six hours, India was made to such a state that it ran to America to get a ceasefire.

Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry said while addressing that our forces stand in the name of the Islam. The Pakistan Army did something that India could not have imagined even in its dreams. Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Aamer Khattak said that the Pakistan Army gave the enemy such a blow that will be remembered for centuries.

Punjab Council of the Arts, Rawalpindi, also hosted a dignified flag hoisting ceremony and a solidarity walk on the occasion of Youm-e-Tashakur. The event was graced by the presence of Director Information Syed Iftikhar Ali Shah, and Director Arts Council Sajjad Hussain, who jointly hoisted the national flag. They later led the solidarity walk, joined by a large number of artists, students, civil society members, and the general public.

Similar events were held with patriotic spirit at Rawalpindi Women University and Government Graduate College for Women B Block Satellite Town. Further, a walk for solidarity with the Pakistan Army was arranged at Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi where the board chairman and other officials paid rich tributes to the army for successfully defending the people of Pakistan.

In addition, different events and walks were organised by Rawalpindi Development Authority and the city police. In their messages, RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza, Regional Police Officer Babar Sarfaraz, and City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani paid rich tributes to the armed forces for giving a befitting response to the Indian aggression.

Different organisations of the traders in the city and religious groups also held gathering to mark the Youm-e-Tashakur in Rawalpindi.