Defence and Martyrs Day commemorated at National Army Museum

The reception was attended by Defence Attaches from over 50 countries along with their spouses

LONDON (Azhar Javaid/ Dunya news) – The Pakistan High Commission commemorated Defence and Martyrs Day of Pakistan at National Army Museum London.

Air Vice Marshal Alastair Smith of Royal Air Force, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff on Military Strategy and Global Engagement was the chief guest at the ceremony.

The reception was attended by Defence Attaches from over 50 countries along with their spouses, officials of the Ministry of Defence, FCDO and IMO, Members of the British Parliament, representatives of defence industry, veterans of Pakistan Armed Forces, Pakistani community, media and think tanks notables.

In his remarks on the occasion, Pakistan High Commissioner Moazzam Ahmad Khan said Pakistan observes the day to remember September 6, 1965 when its brave armed forces with the support of the whole nation displayed unprecedented bravery and professionalism to defeat the evil designs of the enemy. This day is also observed to mark the sacrifices of our valiant armed forces, to honour the martyrs, and to reaffirm our unfailing commitment to the defence of the motherland, he added.

Moazzam Ahmed mentioned the strong and historical bonds of camaraderie between the British and the Pakistani Armed Forces. He said bilateral defence ties constituted one of the strongest pillars of Pakistan-UK long-standing friendship. The High Commissioner also highlighted the role of Royal Military training institutions in strengthening the ties between the two armies.

The High Commissioner said despite difficult regional conditions, Pakistan always endeavoured for peace. Terming India’s actions of 05 August 2019 unilateral and illegal, he said Pakistan would continue to employ all legal, diplomatic and moral means to support the beleaguered people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir in their just struggle for self-determination in line with UN Security Council Resolutions.

For durable peace in the region and beyond, the High Commissioner called upon the international community to engage with the Taliban government and not to repeat the mistakes of the past by abandoning the country.

Chief Guest Air Vice Marshal Alastair Smith said he was delighted to be with the Pakistani community on the occasion. He highlighted the significance of defence relations between the two countries and hoped these relations would further strengthen in future.

In his welcome remarks, Commodore Jamal Alam, Defence & Naval Adviser highlighted the importance of the occasion. He paid rich tributes to the valiant armed forces and Martyrs of Pakistan for successfully defending their motherland against all internal and external aggressions. Colonel Rana Muhammad Asif Khan, Army & Air Adviser moderated the event.