In a significant move to preserve the dignity of Pakistan’s fallen heroes, the Government of Pakistan has officially barred the use of the word “killed” for martyred security personnel across all forms of media. The decision follows a petition submitted in the Peshawar High Court by Advocate Muhammad Hamdan, who challenged the use of the term as legally and morally inappropriate.
Responding to the petition, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a formal notification directing all news outlets—including television channels, newspapers, magazines, and digital platforms to refrain from using the term “killed” for members of the armed forces who lose their lives in the line of duty. Instead, the notification mandates the use of the terms “shaheed” or “shuhada” (martyr/martyrs), describing them as more respectful and in line with national sentiment.
“The term ‘killed’ undermines the sanctity of the sacrifice made by our soldiers,” said Advocate Muhammad Hamdan. “Those who give their lives for the defence of the country must be honoured with language that reflects their valor and selflessness. Anything less is an injustice to their memory.”
The notification serves as a binding directive for all media organisations and individuals active on social media, reaffirming the government’s resolve to safeguard the honour of the nation’s martyrs. The move has been widely welcomed by veterans, families of martyrs, and civil society as a long-overdue step in recognizing the sacred status of those who lay down their lives for Pakistan.
Officials emphasized that this initiative is not merely semantic but a moral imperative—aimed at instilling a culture of reverence for the security forces and promoting national unity through respectful language.
The court petition and subsequent government action mark a milestone in the legal and ethical framing of how Pakistan’s martyrs are remembered in public discourse.
