CM Maryam pays tribute to Capt Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, hails US ties

• CM says Captain Karnal Sher Khan’s unmatched bravery will continue to inspire generations

• Extends felicitations to Americans on 250th Independence Day, reaffirms stronger Pakistan-US partnership

• Credits PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Asim Munir with reinforcing bilateral ties through mediation efforts

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday paid glowing tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider) on his martyrdom anniversary, hailing his unmatched courage and supreme sacrifice in defence of the motherland, while also extending warm felicitations to the people of the United States on the country's 250th Independence Day.

She also expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who embraced martyrdom while rescuing a woman in Islamabad.

In a message issued on Sunday, the chief minister said the nation salutes its brave son, whose courage, valour and sacrifice continue to inspire generations.

وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کا کیپٹن کرنل شیر خان شہید کے یومِ شہادت پر خراجِ عقیدت-
کیپٹن کرنل شیر خان شہید کی عظیم قربانی وطنِ عزیز کی تاریخ کا روشن باب ہے۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/J3q1KGHQnh

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 5, 2026

She said even the enemy had acknowledged the exceptional bravery of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, describing him as an enduring symbol of courage, patriotism and devotion to duty.

Maryam Nawaz said the martyr displayed extraordinary resolve on the battlefield and struck fear into the enemy through his unwavering determination and gallantry. She added that the nation would always remember his unparalleled sacrifice in defence of the motherland.

Felicitations on US Independence Day

In a separate message, the Punjab chief minister extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of the United States on the occasion of the country's 250th Independence Day.

She said the people of Punjab joined in celebrating the historic milestone and reaffirmed that Pakistan and the United States enjoyed relations founded on mutual respect and shared interests.

وزیرِ اعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کا 250ویں یوم آزادی پر امریکی عوام کو مبارکباد کا پیغام۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/Xqrl9iaHGA

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 5, 2026

Maryam Nawaz said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had played an exceptional mediatory role during the recent conflict, which further strengthened Pakistan-US relations.

She said Punjab remained committed to expanding bilateral cooperation and partnership with the United States, while appreciating America's role in promoting democratic values. She added that the province highly valued its collaboration with the US in the fields of climate change, tourism and technology, where significant progress was being achieved through joint initiatives.

Grief over PAF officer's martyrdom

Meanwhile, the chief minister expressed profound sorrow over the martyrdom of Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who embraced martyrdom while rescuing a woman in Islamabad.

She extended her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family of the martyred officer and prayed for strength and fortitude for them to bear the irreparable loss.