Pakistan celebrate Defence and Martyrs Day with patriotic enthusiasm and zeal

Defence Day is being celebrated across the country today with national spirit and enthusiasm. September 6 marks a glorious chapter in Pakistan's history, highlighting the tales of courage and determination written by the armed forces. On this day, the Pak army taught the enemy a lesson they have never forgotten.

24News HD TV channel reported that a special ceremony for the change of guards was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam in Karachi, where cadets from the Pakistan Air Force Asghar Khan Academy assumed guard duties. Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Khan attended the event as the chief guest.

In Lahore, a ceremony took place at the mausoleum of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider), with GOC Major General Rao Imran Sartaj attending as the chief guest. On behalf of the Army Chief, flowers were laid at the mausoleum.

A solemn event was held at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad to commemorate the 59th Defence Day of Pakistan. Vice Chief of Naval Staff Owais Ahmed Bilgrami was the chief guest. A smart contingent of the Pakistan Navy presented a salute at the Martyrs' Memorial, and Vice Admiral Owais Ahmed Bilgrami laid a wreath. He also met with the families of the martyrs and offered prayers for the departed souls and the security of the nation.

Grand ceremony at GHQ tonight

The channel reported that a grand ceremony is scheduled to be held at the GHQ in Rawalpindi at 8 PM, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the chief guest. The event will also be attended by Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, members of parliament, and ambassadors from various countries.

President Zardari's homage to heroes 

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.

PM Shehbaz Sharif pays tribute to Pak Army and martyrs to build safe Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a special message on Defence and Martyrs’ Day, stating that for the past 59 years, the Pakistan Armed Forces have always been prepared, demonstrating professional skills and combat readiness while keeping the spirit of Defence Day alive. 

The PM remarked that this spirit symbolises the nation’s defence and resilience, which is why the nation has emerged successful in every challenge. The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the families of the martyrs, whose courage and resolve inspired the commitment to building a safe and strong Pakistan.

General Asim Munir reaffirms commitment to defence on Defence Day

On the occasion of Defence Day, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), delivered a special message highlighting the significance of September 6 in the nation's military history. 

He stated, "September 6 holds a prominent place in our national and military history as the Day of Defence." General Munir paid tribute to the bravery of the armed forces, noting that on this day, the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside the nation, thwarted the malicious intentions of a much larger enemy. 

The Army Chief emphasised the spirit of unity and solidarity witnessed during the September War as a proud legacy for the armed forces and the nation. "Driven by this spirit of national unity, the Pakistan Armed Forces are committed to guarding the borders of our homeland," he added.

He praised the unparalleled courage and professional skills displayed by the armed forces during the September War, saying that their heroism is recorded in golden words in the annals of history and serves as a guiding light for future generations. 

In his message, the Army Chief honoured the sacrifices of the martyrs, citing a verse from the Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 154: "And do not say of those who are killed in the way of Allah, ‘They are dead.’ Rather, they are alive, but you perceive it not."

COAS General Asim Munir reiterated that the martyrs are precious to the nation, and the army remains committed to honouring and protecting the sanctity of the martyrs and their families. He reaffirmed that the army's motto—faith, piety, and jihad in the way of Allah—is not only a badge of honour but also the most potent weapon against enemy designs.

The Army Chief stressed that the Pakistan Army is fully committed and professionally equipped to defend the nation. "Every officer and soldier is fulfilling the duty of protecting Pakistan with the spirit of September in their hearts," he stated.

He commended the armed forces and the public for their unmatched courage in combating terrorism, adding, "The valour with which our forces have tackled the menace of terrorism is unparalleled globally." He acknowledged that Pakistan remains secure today, thanks to the efforts of the security forces and law enforcement agencies.

General Asim Munir also addressed new challenges like digital terrorism and fifth-generation warfare, describing digital terrorism as more dangerous and complex than conventional threats. He pointed out that the collaboration of hostile elements and foreign entities has intensified these challenges, but reassured that Pakistan is tackling these threats with resolve and national solidarity.

The Army Chief affirmed that the resilience of the Pakistani nation and its armed forces is invincible. "Our commitment to a peaceful and secure Pakistan cannot be weakened," he declared, expressing a desire for positive relations with neighbouring countries. Despite this, he emphasised that the armed forces are always ready and vigilant in defence of the homeland.

On the Kashmir issue, General Munir urged the global community to recognise that regional peace is contingent on the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute following the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and United Nations resolutions. 

He praised the resilience of the Kashmiri people in the face of Indian aggression and human rights violations. Additionally, he reaffirmed Pakistan's continued support for the Palestinians, condemning Israeli aggression in Gaza as a stain on the conscience of the world.

In his concluding remarks, the Army Chief stressed the importance of unity, urging the nation to renew its commitment to Pakistan's security, development, and prosperity by standing united and demonstrating exemplary solidarity and harmony. "As long as we remain united, no power in the world can harm Pakistan," he declared.