Pakistan has marked its 61st Defence and Martyrs’ Day, with the country’s political and military leadership paying tribute to soldiers and highlighting Pakistan’s growing role in regional security.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan remained committed to peace and stability while stressing the country’s readiness to defend its sovereignty.
The annual observance on September 6 commemorates Pakistan’s role in the 1965 war with India. Ceremonies were held across the country, including gun salutes in Islamabad and provincial capitals and a change of guards at the mausoleum of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in Karachi.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the armed forces and veterans for their sacrifices and said Pakistan’s strength depended not only on its defence capabilities but also on economic stability, political unity, education and development.
He also referred to last year’s military confrontation with India, describing Pakistan’s response as another significant chapter in the country’s military history.
Shehbaz said Pakistan had increasingly emerged as a regional security partner and would continue to promote dialogue and cooperation while defending its national interests. He also called for the Kashmir dispute to be resolved in line with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
President Zardari similarly paid tribute to military personnel and their families, saying Pakistan remained committed to peaceful coexistence and dialogue but would not compromise on its sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Pakistan’s military leadership also issued a statement reaffirming the country’s preparedness to respond to any aggression. The armed forces said they supported regional peace and stability but warned that any attack on Pakistan would receive a “swift and decisive response.”
The Defence Day messages came amid Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its regional security partnerships. Both the president and prime minister pointed to the Makkah defence agreement as evidence of Pakistan’s expanding role in collective security and cooperation with other countries.
The leadership also stressed that a strong defence must be accompanied by economic development, political stability and national unity to build a more secure and prosperous Pakistan.
