Youm-e-Tashakur to be celebrated on Friday
Pakistan will observe Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Gratitude) on Friday, May 16, 2025 to honor the historic victory of Marka-e-Haq and pay tribute to the valiant armed forces and people of Pakistan.
Information Minister Atta Tarar said that the day will start with recitation of the Holy Quran and special prayers in mosques.
In the federal capital, a 31-gun salute will be given, while a 21-gun salute will take place in the provincial capitals. The day will also include change of guards ceremonies at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Flag hoisting ceremonies will be held in both the federal and provincial capitals.
Floral wreaths will be laid at Yadgaar-Shuhada, and families of the martyrs from Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos will be visited to honor their sacrifices.
The main event of the day will take place at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad on Friday night, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be the chief guest. The Chief of Army Staff and the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will also attend the ceremony.
Although May 16 has not been officially declared a public holiday, the celebrations across the country reflect a moment of appreciation and respect for both military and civilian contributions.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that the ceasefire between Pakistan and India has been extended until May 18. This decision came after communication through a hotline between the Director Generals of Military Operations from both countries.
While addressing the Senate about Indian aggression against Pakistan, the deputy prime minister said the first agreement on the ceasefire was reached on May 10 after Operation Bunyanum Marsos and was set to last until May 12.
In a second round of talks between Pakistan’s DGMO Major General Kashif Abdullah and India’s DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the ceasefire was extended to May 14. In the most recent contact, it has now been further extended to May 18.
