Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday paid tributes to the armed forces, veterans and the families of martyrs on Defence and Martyrs’ Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to sovereignty, national unity, security and peace.
In separate messages marking September 6, the leaders recalled the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and nation during the 1965 war, describing the day as a lasting symbol of courage, unity and patriotism.
PM Shehbaz said the armed forces demonstrated exceptional professionalism 8n responding to the enemy’s aggression despite its numerical advantage. He said the nation also displayed remarkable resilience and solidarity during the conflict.
President Zardari said September 6 occupied an important place in national history, with the martyrs of 1965 demonstrating extraordinary courage and determination in defending the country’s freedom and sovereignty.
Both leaders linked the spirit of the 1965 war with the recent Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and Marka-e-Haq.
Shehbaz said the armed forces had maintained their tradition of bravery under the professional leadership of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
He said the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos had added another significant chapter to Pakistan’s military history, while Zardari described Marka-e-Haq as a continuation of the patriotism and commitment associated with September 6.
Addressing current security challenges, Shehbaz said Pakistan faced threats from its traditional adversary as well as Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan. He said hostile attempts to destabilise the country through hybrid warfare would be firmly resisted.
Zardari stressed that there could be no compromise on Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security, adding that the armed forces had consistently demonstrated vigilance and preparedness against conventional and unconventional threats.
The PM said Pakistan’s strength depended not only on its defence capabilities but also on economic stability, political harmony and social development. He called for renewed efforts to eliminate poverty, ignorance and backwardness in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Zardari similarly emphasised economic stability, political tolerance, education, development and national unity as essential pillars of a strong Pakistan.
On foreign policy, Shehbaz said Pakistan would continue playing a constructive role in promoting regional and global peace. He described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as reflecting Pakistan’s growing contribution to regional security and its commitment to collective defence and cooperation with friendly countries.
Zardari also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace, dialogue and mutual respect, describing the country as an increasingly important contributor to regional security.
Both leaders maintained that lasting peace in South Asia required a resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Shehbaz urged the nation to reaffirm its commitment to Jinnah’s principles of faith, unity and discipline, while Zardari called for collective efforts to build a strong, democratic, prosperous and developed Pakistan.
Both leaders prayed for the martyrs and for peace, stability and prosperity in the country.
Meanwhile, a change of guards ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi to mark Defence and Martyrs’ Day. Pakistan Air Force cadets assumed guard duties at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Air Vice Marshal Hassan Faisal, Air Commandant of PAF Academy Asghar Khan, attended the ceremony as chief guest.
