ISLAMABAD (APP) - President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs and veterans of Armed Forces and their families, on behalf of the entire nation, on the occasion of Defence Day.
In his message on Defence and Martyrs Day being observed on Sunday (today), President Asif Ali Zardari said that on behalf of the entire nation he salutes the martyrs and veterans of Pakistan’s Armed Forces and their families as through their blood and sacrifice, the martyrs wrote timeless stories of courage and patriotism in the annals of national history and their sacrifices will forever remain a guiding light for generations to come.
President Asif Ali Zardari said, “September 6 holds a memorable place in our national history, reminding us of the great sacrifices made to safeguard our 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.”
“The unity and spirit of faith demonstrated by our Armed Forces and the Pakistani nation on 6th September 1965 remain a manifestation of our 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 added.
In a message, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs and veterans of Armed Forces and their families, on behalf of the entire nation, on the occasion of Defence Day.
He said, “September 6 is a glorious chapter in our national history, reminding us of the unparalleled resolve, unity and sacrifices demonstrated by our Armed Forces and the nation in defence of our beloved homeland. “
“This day provides us with an opportunity to pay tribute to the martyrs and veterans who made immense sacrifices to safeguard Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and independence.
Despite the enemy’s undeclared aggression and numerical superiority on 6 September 1965, the professionalism and operational preparedness of Pakistan’s Armed Forces inflicted a humiliating and resounding defeat upon it on all fronts,” he added.
He said, “History bears witness that during the 1965 war, our Armed Forces displayed exceptional professionalism and courage, while the Pakistani nation demonstrated remarkable unity, resilience and steadfastness. Together they created a proud and enduring legacy in our national history.”
“In Marka-e-Haq, in line with the glorious tradition of valiance our Armed Forces under the excellent professional strategy of Chief of the Army Staff, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf delivered a response to our age-old adversary that will be remembered for generations.
The entire nation is proud of our brave Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy,” he noted.
“The resounding success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos has added another glorious chapter to our military history. Our Armed Forces have once again demonstrated that the spirit and fervour of 6 September remain as strong as ever,” he added.
The prime minister said, “The challenges confronting Pakistan today demand greater national unity and solidarity. Our traditional adversary, along with Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan, continues to pursue its nefarious designs against Pakistan, but these hostile forces are facing successive and decisive defeats.”