ISLAMABAD – The premier body of newspapers publishers ‘All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS)’ has advised its member publications to refer to the fallen soldiers of the country as “shaheed” or “martyr”.
In a circular sent to the member publications, last Friday the APNS has recalled that the country had been in a state of war for the last several years and the valiant security forces have laid down their lives in the defence of their country amid fight against terrorism.
“However, to pay befitting tribute to those who continue to lay down their lives in the defense of Quaid’s Pakistan, may we suggest that all fallen soldiers be referred to as “shaheed” or “martyrs’” in our newspapers and magazines,” said the circular issued by APNS president Sarmad Ali.
The APNS has noted that majority of the publications pay full tribute to the brave troops sacrificing their lives for the homeland.
The newspapers society has also clarified that the instruction may be taken as a matter of advice only since APNS did not normally lay down definitive formulations to its member publications.
It bears mentioning that almost all of the publications whether print or digital call the fallen soldiers of the country as ‘martyrs’ but regrettably one of the leading daily enjoying widespread popularity across Pakistan avoids the terms and instead refers to the fallen troops as being ‘killed’.
