Tokyo: A solemn and dignified ceremony was held at the Embassy to pay tribute to the martyrs, marking the day as ‘Shuhadaa-e-Pakistan’. The ceremony began with lighting of candles and recitation from the Holy Quran. School children and University students, both girls and boys, in their speeches highlighted the sacrifices rendered by individuals, the Muslim masses and the selfless valour of Pakistan’s Shuhadaa to create, sustain and preserve the security our dear homeland. The youth specially focused on the very meaning of sacrifice.
Ambassador Farukh Amil (فاروق عامل) said that independence in 1947 did not just appear out of nowhere as an instant achievement. 1947 was the result of near century-long effort by those names both known and unknown who had made immense sacrifices in their livelihoods, their material and their blood starting as far back as the first War of Independence in 1857. Those visionaries with their determination and immense sacrifices bequeathed to us a homeland. He said, bearing such eminent sacrifices in mind we must love, cherish and protect our homeland and strive for unity irrespective of any differences. The corner-stone in the achievement of creating Pakistan was a democratic yearning. The demand for Pakistan was firmly rooted in democratic aspirations. The Ambassador highlighted the sacrifices by law enforcement agencies and the valiant armed forces. He also praised those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice in international UN peace-keeping missions for decades around the world, as exemplified in the permanent exhibition in the Embassy Main Hall.
The community included a significant number of children and students both boys and girls. Following the observance of one-minute silence, in concluding special prayers were offered for all the Martyrs. May Allah Subhanhu Wataala rest the souls in Jannat (Paradise). Prayers were offered for the peace, stability, solidarity and prosperity of Pakistan.
Link to the speeches of the youth of Pakistan can be found:
