Pakistan Reaffirms Regional Security Role on Defence Day
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Zardari on Sunday highlighted Pakistan’s growing role in regional security as the country observed its 61st Defence and Martyrs’ Day
ISLAMABAD: The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals. A change-of-guards ceremony was also held at Quaid-i-Azam’s mausoleum in Karachi, where Pakistan Air Force Academy cadets assumed guard duties.
Defence Day is observed every September 6 to commemorate the 1965 war between Pakistan and India. The conflict ended with a ceasefire on September 22, 1965, followed by the Tashkent Agreement in January 1966.
PM Shehbaz’s Message
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the martyrs, veterans and their families, describing September 6 as a symbol of national unity, courage and sacrifice. He said Pakistan’s armed forces demonstrated professionalism and determination during the 1965 war despite India’s numerical superiority.
The prime minister also praised the armed forces’ response during last year’s four-day conflict with India, Marka-i-Haq, and credited the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
He said Operation Bunyanum Marsoos had added another chapter to Pakistan’s military history and demonstrated that the spirit of September 6 remained strong.
Shehbaz said Pakistan faced challenges from its traditional adversary, Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan, as well as hybrid warfare and other attempts to destabilise the country.
However, he stressed that Pakistan’s strength depended not only on defence capabilities but also on economic development, political stability, national unity and public welfare.
He said Pakistan would continue playing an active and constructive role in promoting regional and global peace. Describing Pakistan as a responsible state and a net security stabiliser, he said the Makkah Defence Alliance reflected the country’s growing role in regional security and commitment to collective defence.
The prime minister also said lasting peace in South Asia required a resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
President Zardari’s Message
President Asif Zardari also paid tribute to the martyrs, veterans and their families, saying September 6 represented the nation’s courage, unity and determination to defend its sovereignty.
He said the spirit of 1965 was reflected again in the success of Marka-i-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, praising the professionalism and bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces.
Zardari said Pakistan had increasingly emerged as a regional security provider and remained committed to peace, dialogue and mutual respect. He described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as evidence of Pakistan’s growing role in regional security and collective defence.
