Picture of former Chief of Army Staff General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa attending the Martyr’s Day ceremony held at the General Headquarters, Rawalpindi is going viral on social media.
25th May marks the Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan (Martyrs Reverence Day) and the nation is paying rich tribute to the martyrs who laid their lives while defending the motherland and its people.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, former chairman joint chiefs of staff committee General (retd) Nadeem Raza, and families of the martyrs.
Read more: ISPR sets the record straight on ex-COAS Bajwa’s remarks on Pak Army
Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam, Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman, law enforcement personnel, students, teachers, and other members of the society were also present. Floral wreaths were also laid at the martyrs’ monument.
However, what stood out was the attendance of the former Army Chief General (retd) Bajwa and the fact that he was sitting next to the incumbent COAS General Asim Munir. The picture of the two military leaders sitting side by side is going viral on social media as prominent journalists of Pakistan comment on it.
“The same page? Bad optics!” senior Asma Shirazi said.
The same page? Bad optics! pic.twitter.com/xdjbzDM41V
— Asma Shirazi (@asmashirazi) May 25, 2023
“This is a terrible frame. Gen Bajwa doesn’t deserve this endorsement, the occasion regardless,” Syed Talat Hussain said.
This is a terrible frame. Gen Bajwa doesn’t deserve this endorsement, the occasion regardless. pic.twitter.com/JsD9mAv0NW
— Syed Talat Hussain (@TalatHussain12) May 25, 2023
“General Bajwa is back. Army’s message is loud,” Murtaza Ali Shah said.
General Bajwa is back. Army’s message is loud. pic.twitter.com/xg73QUPkJm
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) May 25, 2023
“Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir seated Army Chief General Retired Qamar Javed Bajwa with him on the occasion of the main event of Pakistan Martyrs Day and honored him. Gave a very clear message to all. Loud and clear message. Roger,” Asad Kharal said.
سب سے پہلے پاکستان🇵🇰✅
چیف آف آرمی سٹاف جنرل سید عاصم منیر نے یوم تکریم شہدائے پاکستان کی مرکزی تقریب کے موقع پر آرمی چیف جنرل ریٹائرڈ قمر جاوید باوجوہ کو اپنے ساتھ بٹھا کر اورعزت و تکریم دے کر 🫡💚❤️
سب کو بڑا واضح پیغام دے دیا💪
Loud & Clear
Message
Roger https://t.co/EwszldZFNh pic.twitter.com/piquZGah5H— Asad Kharal (@AsadKharal) May 25, 2023
Ex-COAS Bajwa has been seldom seen in public since his retirement last November, however, amid the backdrop of Pakistan’s current political climate relating to PTI, the image has gone viral on social.
Read more: New book reveals Gen Bajwa’s role in Taliban’s outreach to India
Inviting Bajwa really lends credibility to your event.
— Waqas (@worqas) May 25, 2023
Ex-army chief Gen Bajwa sits next to the incumbent COAS on the Shuada' Day event at GHQ. pic.twitter.com/YjMTZsMx4d
— Riaz ul Haq (@Riazhaq) May 25, 2023