President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid glowing tribute to the brave sons of the soil as the nation is marking Defence Day and Martyrs' Day today.
The president, in his message, said that Pakistan’s armed forces were provided with adequate defence equipment and possessed the desired professional skills and the will to protect the country from all challenges.
On the Day, he paid homage to the country’s Ghazis and Shuhada, who rendered immense sacrifices and bravely defended the country against external aggression.
“This day reminds us of our nation’s unwavering commitment and determination to defend its sovereignty. I pay homage to the brave sons of the soil who shattered the enemy’s dreams to harm Pakistan,” he remarked.
The president said that Pakistan sought peace and stability in the region and was committed to peaceful coexistence with all neighbours.
“However, enduring peace is only possible when the plight of the Kashmiri people is alleviated. They bear illegal subjugation and a continuous reign of terror by the Indian armed forces over the unfinished agenda of the partition of the sub-continent. The revocation of the autonomous status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmi (IIOJK) has further compounded the problem. India must adhere to the UN Security Council’s resolutions that guarantee the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination,” he commented.
President Zardari said that Pakistan was facing many threats and security challenges and hostile countries were bent upon harming it by supporting anti-Pakistan elements to carry out terror activities in the country.
“In the face of these challenges, our armed forces and law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to defeat terrorists. We stand behind our security forces to stamp out the menace of terrorism,” he reiterated.
He said on the Day, the nation commemorated the will, determination, sense of patriotism and spirit of its brave sons while committing its unwavering support to the armed forces in the fulfilment of the sacred task of defending the country.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that today on September 6, Pakistan commemorates a pivotal moment in its history, Defence and Martyrs Day, honoring the unwavering courage and ultimate sacrifices of its brave armed forces who repelled India’s aggression in 1965.
“Fifty-nine years on, the Armed Forces of Pakistan unceasingly show the same ever-ready state of alertness, professional excellence and war preparedness while up-keeping the ‘Spirit of September’ that has become a symbol of resistance and resilience,” the prime minister said in a message on Defence and Martyrs Day, September 6, 2024.
He said that September 6 marks a significant day in the history of Pakistan. “Every year on this day, the Pakistani nation observes “Defence & Martyrs Day” in a befitting manner. Together we pay rich tributes to the valiant sons of soil and brave heroes of our Armed Forces who fearlessly fought, and defeated India that attacked our motherland across the international border on 6 September 1965,” he added.
Despite their numerical advantage, the prime minister said the enemy designs were thwarted by the valiant Armed Forces and were handed an unforgettable defeat, on all fronts.
“The courage and dedication of our soldiers coupled with the preparedness of the Armed Forces ensure that we live in a free and sovereign country. We salute the families of Shuhada, whose immense resilience and strength continue to inspire us to commit to the defence of the country,” he said adding “Our Armed Forces, equipped with modern day combat capability, are constantly enhancing their prowess to defend our territorial integrity and sovereign identity”.
He stressed that the Government of Pakistan believes in dialogue over conflict and in cooperation over confrontation. “We aim to create an environment where all nations can prosper, and address issues like poverty, health, and education.”
Unfortunately, he said the non-resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute is hampering the pace of positive development in the region. Kashmir is the unfinished agenda of partition that needs immediate settlement as per the aspirations of the people of Kashmir and according to the relevant UN Security Council resolutions through an impartial plebiscite. At the same time, the roots of terrorism stemming from our neighbours need to be curbed in our common interest.
“I bring to you a message of hope and resolve on this day. Remember, our past is a testament to our ability to overcome adversity. Each time, we have emerged stronger, battle-hardened. On this day, we must draw upon the same spirit of resilience that has always defined us. Azm-e-Istehkam under the revised National Action Plan is meant to root out both physical and digital terrorism, once and for all. It is important that we join hands and pave the way to a prosperous Pakistan,” the prime minister added.
As regards, the situation in Palestine, the prime minister said Pakistan stands firmly with the people of Palestine. “We will continue to raise the issue on all global platforms. The Palestinian people have shown incredible courage in their long struggle against Israeli occupation. We urge the international community to ensure the protection of Palestinian Citizens and stop the genocide of innocent Muslims in Gaza,” he added.