ISLAMABAD: The leadership of Pakistan’s Armed Forces on Sunday paid tribute to the country’s martyrs and expressed profound respect and gratitude to the Ghazis and families of the martyrs on the occasion of the 61st Defence and Martyrs’ Day.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Commander National Strategic Command General Syed Aamer Raza and other senior military leadership honoured the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan’s defenders in the service of the country.
In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Armed Forces described September 6 as a lasting symbol of national unity, courage and determination, recalling the manner in which the Pakistani nation stood united in defence of the motherland during the 1965 war.
The military leadership said the martyrs represented the highest values of honour, duty and sacrifice, noting that generations of Pakistan’s defenders had laid down their lives while serving the country on battlefields, in the air and at sea.
It said the legacy of the martyrs continued to inspire future generations, while their families remained symbols of courage, resilience and steadfastness. The Armed Forces also paid tribute to the Ghazis, saying they continued to safeguard the country’s frontiers with courage, dedication and unwavering commitment.
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The statement reaffirmed that the Pakistan Armed Forces remained fully prepared to protect the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests. “Pakistan seeks peace, stability and prosperity in the region and remains committed to responsible conduct and peaceful coexistence,” the statement said, while making it clear that the country’s commitment to peace should not be interpreted as weakness.
It warned that any aggression against Pakistan would be met with a “swift and decisive response”. On Defence and Martyrs’ Day, the Armed Forces renewed their pledge to remain devoted to Pakistan and its people and to continue performing their responsibilities with honour, professionalism and determination.
The military leadership said the sacrifices of the martyrs, the courage of the Ghazis and the resilience of the families of martyred personnel would remain a lasting source of national strength and pride. The statement concluded with expressions of solidarity with the nation and reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding Pakistan.
