IN the course of life, there is one inevitable truth that no one can escape—death. It is the one certainty that transcends all boundaries, uniting every soul regardless of status, wealth, or power. Every living being is destined to taste death, and its timing is as fixed as the rising and setting of the sun. This universal fact is often accepted in theory, yet the reality of facing the departure of a loved one is a profoundly painful experience, one that shakes the very foundations of those left behind.
The grief is especially poignant when death comes unexpectedly, claiming the life of someone who is neither aged nor suffering from any life-threatening illness. Such losses are like a thief in the night, robbing families of their joy and leaving a void that can never be filled. The shock is compounded when the deceased is young, full of dreams, and with their whole life ahead of them. For those who had only just begun to experience the springtime of their lives, who were on the cusp of milestones such as marriage or the birth of a child, death seems unbearably cruel.
Imagine a family preparing to decorate their daughter’s head with the crown of a bride, only to be told that the groom has been taken by the cold hand of death. Picture a father who has not yet seen the face of his unborn child, or a brother who was planning to arrange for his sister’s wedding, only to receive the heart-wrenching news that their loved one has fallen in battle. The dreams of a future filled with joy and celebration are shattered in an instant, replaced by the harsh reality of loss and mourning. In Pakistan, such tragedies are not uncommon, particularly among the families of soldiers.
These brave men—whether Sepoy, Havildar, Lance Naik, Naik, Second Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Captain or Major—serve with honour and courage, knowing full well that death could claim them at any moment. Yet they go forth willingly, not for the paltry sum of money they earn, but for the love of their homeland and the protection of its people. The salary of a soldier, no matter how high, can never truly compensate for the life they risk every day. Human life is far too precious to be measured in rupees, yet these soldiers lay down their lives with the knowledge that their sacrifice is for a greater cause.
The land of Pakistan has also been a witness to countless sacrifices, where the atmosphere has reverberated with the tales of valour and dedication. Those who bore the weight of four stars on their shoulders and chests, symbols of their courage and glory, have selflessly embraced death for the sake of the nation. These brave souls, standing at the forefront of duty, have laid down their lives with unwavering commitment, ensuring that the spirit of patriotism and honour continues to inspire future generations. Their legacy is etched into the very soil of the country, a testament to their unwavering devotion to Pakistan.
When the body of a martyr returns to his home, the scene is one of unspeakable sorrow. The wails of mothers, the silent tears of fathers, the devastated expressions of siblings and spouses—all speak to the immeasurable loss that has befallen them. The grief of losing a loved one to war is compounded by the pride in knowing that they died a hero, yet this pride does little to ease the pain. It is in moments like these that the true cost of freedom and security is felt, not in abstract terms, but in the raw, personal agony of families who must go on without their beloved son, brother, or husband.
It is difficult to truly understand this pain unless one has experienced it firsthand. The sudden absence of someone who was once the centre of a family’s world leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who remain. And yet, for the sake of the nation, these families bear their grief with dignity, knowing that their loved one’s sacrifice was not in vain. It is a reminder that the freedoms and security we often take for granted are built on the sacrifices of those who came before us, and those who continue to serve.
As a responsible citizen, it is our duty to honour these martyrs, not just in words, but in our actions and attitudes. We must recognize the enormity of their sacrifice and appreciate the peace and safety they have provided for us. It is easy to become absorbed in the trivialities of daily life, forgetting that there are those who have given everything so that we may live in peace. Yet, it is precisely because of their sacrifice that we have the luxury to do so.
Living nations are those that remember and honour their heroes. They understand that their freedom was bought with blood, and they do not let the memory of their martyrs fade away with time. Instead, they keep their legacies alive, teaching future generations about the price of freedom and the value of sacrifice. In this way, the memories of the fallen are preserved, and their sacrifices continue to inspire and protect the nation long after they have gone.
So, the next time you hear of a soldier who has been martyred, take a moment to reflect on the life that was lost and the family that is now grieving. Consider the dreams that will never be fulfilled, the joys that will never be experienced, and the future that was cut short. Let this be a reminder to cherish those who are still with you, to appreciate the sacrifices made on your behalf, and to honour the memory of those who gave their lives for your tomorrow.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
