The army has declared all those trapped below thousands of tons of snow at Giyari as martyrs. Hit by an avalanche 52 days back, the entire nation had been praying for the safe return of the 139 soldiers who had been guarding the most highest and dangerous area on the Siachen Glacier.
It is not the first incident when the armed forces has lost its courageous men, but has certainly been the biggest in a long time. The distressed families who were, despite all odds, harbouring the faint hope of a miracle may receive the news with a heavy heart, but it will help them move forward. The memories of their loved ones will certainly remain with them forever in the form of the courageous tales of sacrifices that they made for the love of their country. It will remain with us for centuries to listen to with pride and emulate.
Martyrdom is a state that many may dream of but very few manage to attain, for they are the few lucky ones who the Lord Himself says, that they can never be called as dead.
They are the real heroes of this nation for they have braved every difficulty, pain and anguish and finally embraced martyrdom. Every Pakistani would surely be feeling the grief of and praying for the families that these martyrs have left behind. May Allah bless them with courage and strength to move forward! Amen.
LUBNA UMAR
Islamabad
