ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Defence and Martyrs Day is being observed on Friday to pay tribute to martyrs and Ghazis and reaffirm commitment to defend the motherland against all threats.
It was on this day in 1965 the Indian forces crossed international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan but the nation foiled nefarious designs of the enemy.
On Pakistan Defence Day, we commemorate the courage, resilience and unmatched dedication of our armed forces.
As we remember the heroes who stood tall against all odds, let us reaffirm our commitment to unity and strength.
Together, we honor their legacy by pledging to build… pic.twitter.com/lFm2Lyk2B1
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 6, 2024
The day dawned with 31-gun salute at the Federal Capital and 21-gun salute at provincial capitals.
Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajar prayer for the progress and prosperity of the country and independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Fateha and Quran Khawani will also be held for the martyrs.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif have expressed unwavering commitment to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland against all threats.
In their separate messages on the occasion of Defence and Martyrs’ Day, they said that Pakistan’s armed forces are vigilant and ever-ready to respond to any challenge.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari paid homage to Ghazis and Shuhada, who rendered immense sacrifices and bravely defended the country against external aggression.
The president said that Pakistan seeks peace and stability in the region and is committed to peaceful coexistence with all neighbours.
However, enduring peace is only possible when suffering of the Kashmiri people is ended.
In his message, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also paid rich tributes to the valiant sons of soil and brave heroes of armed forces, who fearlessly fought, and defeated India that attacked Pakistan across the international border on this day in 1965.
Today, I join the entire nation in honoring the sacrifices of our soldiers and martyrs, as well as all those who have fought valiantly for Pakistan’s #defence
Let us draw inspiration from our shuhada and ghazis to defend and rebuild Pakistan with the same Spirit of September,…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 6, 2024
The prime minister said that Pakistan believes in dialogue over conflict and in cooperation over confrontation. He said that our aim is to create an environment where all nations can prosper and address issues like poverty health and education.
The prime minister also said that Kashmir is the unfinished agenda of partition that needs immediate settlement according to the UN Security Council resolutions.
