Shafaqna Pakistan: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday paid tribute to the martyrs, veterans and families of the Armed Forces on Defence and Martyrs’ Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to national security, sovereignty and peace.
In his message, President Zardari, speaking on behalf of the nation, saluted the martyrs, veterans and their families, saying their sacrifices had written “timeless stories of courage and patriotism” into the country’s history and would continue to inspire future generations.
He said September 6 holds a significant place in Pakistan’s history as it commemorates the sacrifices made to protect the country’s freedom, sovereignty and national security.
“Defence and Martyrs’ Day provides us with an opportunity to pay tribute to the immortal sacrifices of the brave sons of the nation who, in 1965, demonstrated unparalleled resolve, courage and devotion in defence of our beloved homeland, defeating the enemy’s nefarious designs on every front,” he said.
The president said the unity and spirit of faith demonstrated by the Armed Forces and the nation on September 6, 1965, remained a manifestation of the country’s collective strength.
“This day reminds us that when a nation stands united in defence of its freedom, sovereignty and homeland, no power can defeat its resolve,” he said.
President Zardari said the spirit of September 6 had once again been reflected in the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, adding that victory in Marka-e-Haq had continued the spirit of patriotism and freedom embodied by the day.
“Marka-e-Haq has added another glorious chapter to our national history,” he said, describing the success as a testament to the professionalism, courage and bravery of the Armed Forces and the longstanding bond between them and the people.
He said Pakistan remained committed to promoting peace, dialogue and mutual respect in the region and across the world, adding that the country had increasingly emerged as a net regional security provider.
The president described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a manifestation of Pakistan’s commitment to regional security and its growing role as a “responsible and dependable partner” for regional peace and stability.
At the same time, he said there could be no compromise on Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
President Zardari said the international community must recognise that lasting peace in South Asia could not be achieved without resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He also called on India to desist from promoting terrorism in Pakistan through its proxies, saying United Nations reports testified that Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan had received foreign patronage.
“In every conventional and unconventional war imposed by the enemy, our Armed Forces have demonstrated their vigilance, preparedness and unwavering commitment to defending the country,” he said, adding that the entire nation continued to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the Armed Forces.
The president also stressed that Pakistan’s strength depended not only on defence capabilities but also on economic stability, political tolerance, national unity, education and development.
“Together, we must play our part in building a bright, secure and developed Pakistan for our youth and future generations,” he said.
He renewed the nation’s resolve to defend Pakistan’s freedom, sovereignty and security “at all costs” and called for efforts to transform the country, in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, into a “strong, democratic, prosperous and developed state”.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the Armed Forces and their families on behalf of the nation.
In his message, he described September 6 as a “glorious chapter” in national history, recalling the resolve, unity and sacrifices demonstrated by the Armed Forces and the nation in defence of the homeland.
He said the day provided an opportunity to pay tribute to the martyrs and veterans who had made immense sacrifices to safeguard Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and independence.
“Despite the enemy’s undeclared aggression and numerical superiority on September 6, 1965, the professionalism and operational preparedness of the Armed Forces inflicted a humiliating and resounding defeat upon it on all fronts,” the prime minister said.
Shehbaz said the 1965 war had demonstrated the exceptional professionalism and courage of the Armed Forces, while the nation had shown “remarkable unity, resilience and steadfastness”.
Referring to Marka-e-Haq, he said the Armed Forces, under the professional leadership of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, had delivered a response to the country’s “age-old adversary” that would be remembered for generations.
“The entire nation is proud of our brave Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy,” he said.
The prime minister said the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos had added another glorious chapter to military history and demonstrated that the spirit and fervour of September 6 remained as strong as ever.
He said the challenges confronting Pakistan required greater national unity and solidarity, adding that the country’s traditional adversary, along with Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan, continued to pursue its “nefarious designs” against Pakistan.
“The sinister designs of hostile forces seeking to destabilise Pakistan through hybrid warfare shall be resolutely defeated,” he said.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan’s foremost challenges included ignorance, poverty and backwardness, and stressed the need to transform the country in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
“Our true strength lies not only in our defence capabilities but also in a united, peaceful, stable and economically strong nation,” he said.
He said the government would continue to strengthen Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and defence while advancing economic development, political stability and public welfare.
The prime minister also said Pakistan would continue to play an active and constructive role in promoting peace and stability at regional and global levels, describing the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a manifestation of the country’s growing role in regional security.
He reiterated Pakistan’s position that lasting and genuine peace in South Asia could not be achieved without resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
On the occasion, the premier called for Quaid-e-Azam’s principles of “faith, unity and discipline” to become an integral part of national life.
“Let us work together to build a strong, prosperous and developed Pakistan,” he said, adding that a strong defence provided the foundation for sustainable peace and development.
Both leaders also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and for peace, stability and prosperity in Pakistan.
Source: Express Tribune
