Tribute to the armed forces this Eid

This is what i wrote on the morning of Eid (the muslim festival marking the end of Ramadan), if any military personnel is reading this, regardless of your country, i wish for your quick and safe retur

I woke up this morning, dusted myself off and went straight into the shower. Fumbling with the paste and shampoo I spent a great deal of time getting ready. Coming out of the shower I saw my Shalwar Kameez neatly laid down for me on the bed, my sandals and socks right underneath. I dressed myself and went downstairs welcomed by my family, after exchanging pleasantries with my uncles we made our way to the mosque. 

Things were as per usual, my father made a beeline for the mosque while I was left trying to negotiate a Jaa Namaz, my shoes and my cousin’s hand. We prayed and embraced each other, going to the graveyard later on to pay respects to my deceased grandparents. It was not until I got home and snuggled up between the covers of my bed, that a realization dawned upon me. The reason that the events of the day seemed so routine and laid back to me was because I had a sense of security. A  belief that after offering my prayers I’d make my way home, embrace my mother and sister and sit down slurping a bowl of Sheer Khorma.  The serenity and comfort I feel roaming the streets of my city on this day, I now realize is because of the men and women that are risking their life fighting for our freedom. 

For those that are unaware, the Pakistan Army started the operation Zarb-e-Azb on the 15th of June 2014. The aim of the operation is to once and for all weed out the extremists that have plagued our country for nearly a decade. Amongst others, militants from Al Qaida and Tehreek-e-Taliban are being targeted in the North Waziristan region of Pakistan in what is described as the most comprehensive operation in our countries history regarding the war on terror. At the time of writing about thirty thousand of our men and women in the armed forces have been deployed for this operation. 

I would like to Thank each and every one of them for risking their lives, spending time away from their families so that I can enjoy a simple trip to the mosque with my father. The selflessness that they have shown by putting their lives on the line so that the people of their country can live peacefully is awe inspiring. If any soldier happens to read this, I would just like you to know the gratitude and love that the people of Pakistan have for you. To the family of the martyrs, I hope you find the patience to cope with your monumental loss. Sons and Daughters of Pakistan your country loves you, and it is because of you that its people can sleep soundly in their beds at night. 

Reviews

[Jennie Baron]

This is touching and also enlightening because I think here in the States we don't get much news about what is going on in Pakistan, and I appreciate the insight. Your soldiers will be in my thoughts and prayers along with our own.