THE Pakistan Army is the shield of this country. From the snow-covered posts of Siachen to the deserts of Thar, from the busy streets of Karachi to the remote valleys of Waziristan, our soldiers stand day and night so that the rest of us can sleep without fear.
We see them whenever disaster strikes. In the 2005 earthquake, the floods of 2010 and 2022, and in every crisis since, the first help to arrive was often a soldier with a boat, a tent, or a bag of flour. They pull children from floodwaters, set up medical camps, and rebuild broken bridges while their own leave is cancelled.
We also saw them when terrorism had taken hold of our towns. In Swat, North Waziristan, and parts of Balochistan, the army went house to house so that schools could reopen and markets could lift their shutters. That fight came at a heavy cost. More than 80,000 Pakistanis lost their lives in the war against terror, and over 10,000 of them wore the uniform. Our soldiers miss Eid with their parents, their children’s birthdays, and even the funerals of loved ones. They serve in fifty-degree heat and in freezing cold without complaint because they took an oath to protect Pakistan.
That is why the people of this country feel such a deep bond with their army. When a military convoy passes on the Motorway or the GT Road, families slow down, wave, and children raise their hands in salute. That trust is Pakistan’s real strength. It tells the soldier that the nation stands behind him, and it assures every citizen that someone is standing between them and danger. Because this bond is so important, it is cherished by both sides. The people honor the uniform, while the army upholds the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, knowing the eyes of the nation are upon it.
Out of that same respect, citizens sometimes make a small request. During long road movements, soldiers often travel in open trucks. To rest their arms, a soldier may place his rifle on the side of the vehicle. Without any ill intention, the barrel can end up pointing toward cars, buses, or motorcycles travelling behind. We all know our jawans are highly trained and responsible. Yet a sudden brake, a deep pothole, or a moment of fatigue could create the kind of accident that no one wants—for the soldier or for the family travelling behind. Therefore, with complete love and respect, citizens humbly request that unit officers remind troops to keep rifle barrels pointed upward or in a safe direction during movement.
It is a small point of drill, but it makes a significant difference. It reassures the public that their safety remains on the soldier’s mind, even during routine transfers on busy highways. This is not a complaint; it is how a nation looks after its sons. We want every jawan to reach his destination safely, and every citizen on the road to feel equally secure. Supporting the Pakistan Army is not about politics. It is about survival, gratitude, and the future of our children. The army has stood with Pakistan in every war, every disaster, and every difficult hour. Today, we stand with our army. May Allah protect every soldier. Pakistan Army Zindabad. Pakistan Paindabad.
—The writer is former Regional Executive Inclusive Development at NBP, Mirpur AK.
