COAS had frank session with heirs of martyrs at GHQ

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif in a remarkable gesture of kindness and affection for the martyrs and fellow Army personnel had a long meeting with the heirs of martyrs on Tuesday evening.

General Raheel upon conclusion of the Defence of Pakistan Day ceremony opted to have frank session with the heirs of the martyrs at the General Headquarters (GHQ). He sat with them for more than four hours and heard their grievances and issued orders on the spot. It was rare scene and the senior officers of the GHQ and staff officers of the army chief also stood by.

An eyewitness officer remarked that General Raheel Sharif after delivering an impressive speech and salute ceremony did a remarkable job by attending the heirs of the martyrs. It was the closest and longest encounter with the COAS on Tuesday. He pulled a chair and sat carefree for these long hours. He mingled up with the proud heirs who had come from various parts of the country including far flung areas. He sat there from 10:30pm to 2:45am in the wee hours of the next day. 

The army chief dragged a chair and just sat down right there after the event. He talked to every relative of the martyrs one by one, issued orders and then met soldiers under treatment at AFIRM, had photographs taken with every one individually and then while leaving he turned back and walked over to the labourers working on dismantling the stage and venue and shook hands with every one and gave them the souvenirs as well. Such patience and big heart defying all fatigue and tiredness needs a special personality and blessed soul.