ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar conveyed a strong message on Pakistan’s 58th Defence Day, highlighting the unwavering unity of the entire Pakistani nation alongside its armed forces in the face of challenges and to thwart evil designs against the country’s prosperity and integrity.
As Pakistan observed Defence Day to honor the sacrifices made by its fallen heroes during the 1965 war, the day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals. Change of guard ceremonies were held at the mausoleums of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi and Allama Iqbal in Lahore.
In his message commemorating Defence Day, Prime Minister Kakar celebrated the day as a symbol of vigor, bravery, courage, and resilience. Kakar’s remarks acknowledged the significance of September 6, a day when the entire Pakistani nation stood in unity with its armed forces.
Kakar stated, “This glorious day, where the entire Pakistani nation stood side by side with its armed forces, calls upon us to make a pledge to renew the spirit of loyalty and service to Pakistan and pay tribute to valiant sons of the soil who embraced martyrdom while ensuring security of the nation.”
The Prime Minister underlined that Pakistan’s defense was not confined to a single day; instead, it extended throughout a lifetime and encompassed all dimensions, both physical and ideological, that required safeguarding. He noted that Pakistan was currently facing various security challenges, including extremism, terrorism, and external aggression, and emphasized that the entire nation remained united alongside their defense forces to counteract any evil intentions aimed at compromising Pakistan’s integrity and prosperity.
Prime Minister Kakar laid a wreath and offered prayers at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad. During an interaction with the media on this occasion, he stated, “We come here to pay tribute to the valiant sons of the soil who embraced martyrdom while ensuring the security of the nation.” He expressed the sentiment that those who had sacrificed their lives for the country could never be forgotten and would forever remain in the hearts of the Pakistani people.
DEFENCE & MARTYRS DAY: To pay homage and tribute to the Martyrs & Ghazis of the 1965 war, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar laying floral wreath and offering Dua at Pakistan Monument Islamabad on 6th of September, 2023. pic.twitter.com/N5rQ86ANba
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) September 6, 2023
President Alvi Lauds Armed Forces on Defence Day
President Dr. Arif Alvi in his message on Pakistan’s Defence Day, acknowledged September 6 as a day to honor those who had sacrificed their lives for the country. He praised the extraordinary courage, spirit, and resilience displayed by Pakistan’s armed forces and the entire nation during the 1965 war, describing it as a symbol of unwavering national resolve, preparedness, professionalism, patriotism, and sacrifice.
President Alvi paid tribute to the bravery of Ghazis and martyrs who had responded resolutely to enemy attacks on various sectors during the 1965 conflict. He also noted the continued courage, commitment, and professional excellence exhibited by Pakistan’s soldiers and citizens in confronting various challenges.
Message from President Dr. Arif Alvi on the occasion of Defence Day on 6th September, 2023.#DefenceDay pic.twitter.com/aQs5TvaM6h
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) September 6, 2023
President Alvi touched upon the long-standing issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), emphasizing the need for its resolution in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions to ensure peace, security, and development in the region. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering moral and diplomatic support for the just struggle of the Kashmiri people for self-determination.
On this Defence and Martyrs Day, the President called for prioritizing the state’s sovereignty, integrity, and honor. He underscored Pakistan’s central role in the hopes and aspirations of its people and paid tribute to the sons and daughters of the soil who had selflessly defended their motherland, contributing to its development and prosperity.
The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Services Chiefs, and the Armed Forces of Pakistan also paid rich tributes to martyrs, their families, and war veterans. The military leadership acknowledged that the 1965 war had exemplified the triumph of a smaller but righteous force against a numerically larger enemy through professionalism, determination, and faith.
The message from the country’s military leadership conveyed a commitment to safeguarding the defense of Pakistan against all internal and external threats, emphasizing the enduring inspiration drawn from the events of September 6, 1965, and the legacy of resilience that continues to inspire generations.
