ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has paid tribute to Pakistan’s Armed Forces, martyrs and veterans on Defence and Martyrs Day, saying September 6 remains a defining symbol of national unity, sacrifice and resilience.
In his message marking Defence Day, the prime minister said the events of September 6, 1965 demonstrated the resolve of both the Armed Forces and the Pakistani nation in defending the country’s sovereignty, security and independence.
He said Pakistan’s military responded to the 1965 aggression with professionalism, preparedness and courage, while citizens across the country stood firmly behind the forces.
Shehbaz Sharif said the sacrifices of martyrs and veterans had created an enduring legacy in Pakistan’s national history and added that their families also deserved the nation’s deepest respect.
Referring to Marka-e-Haq, the prime minister praised the leadership of Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
He said the performance of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy during recent hostilities had demonstrated that the spirit associated with September 6 remained strong.
The prime minister also described the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos as another significant chapter in Pakistan’s military history.
Shehbaz Sharif said the country continued to face conventional, terrorist and hybrid threats, stressing that national unity was essential to counter attempts aimed at destabilising Pakistan.
He said hostile elements, including Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan, would continue to face decisive action and that attempts to weaken the country through hybrid warfare would be defeated.
The prime minister said Pakistan’s challenges extended beyond defence and included poverty, ignorance, economic weakness and underdevelopment.
He stressed that the country’s long-term strength depended not only on military capability but also on political stability, economic development, public welfare and national cohesion.
“The Government will continue to take resolute measures to strengthen Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and defence, while simultaneously advancing economic development, political stability and public welfare,” he said.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan would continue to play an active role in promoting regional and global peace and stability.
He referred to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as an example of Pakistan’s expanding role in regional security and its commitment to collective defence, mutual security and cooperation with friendly countries.
On Kashmir, the prime minister said durable peace in South Asia remained linked to resolution of the dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He said India’s position on Kashmir continued to obstruct lasting peace and development in the region.
Concluding his message, Shehbaz Sharif urged the nation to renew its commitment to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline and to work collectively for a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan.
He said a strong defence remained essential for sustainable peace and development, adding that the nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the country’s Armed Forces.
