ISLAMABAD: Defence Day has prompted President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to pay tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs, veterans and their families for their sacrifices in defending the country. In separate messages on Sunday, both leaders said September 6 held a special place in Pakistan’s history and remembered the courage and determination shown by the armed forces and the nation during the 1965 war. President Zardari said the nation saluted the martyrs and veterans whose sacrifices had created enduring examples of courage and patriotism. He said their contributions would continue to guide future generations. Devolution: Khawaja Asif says power-sharing reform is inevitable “September 6 holds a memorable place in our national history, reminding us of the great sacrifices made to safeguard our freedom, sovereignty and national security,” the president said. He described Defence and Martyrs Day as an opportunity to honour those who demonstrated “unparalleled resolve, courage and devotion” while defending Pakistan in 1965. President Zardari said the unity and spirit displayed by the armed forces and the Pakistani people on September 6, 1965, remained a symbol of the country’s collective strength. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans, saying September 6 represented a significant chapter in Pakistan’s history. He said the armed forces and the nation had demonstrated exceptional resolve, unity and sacrifice in defending the country. The prime minister said Pakistan’s armed forces had shown professionalism and operational preparedness during the 1965 war despite what he described as the enemy’s numerical superiority and undeclared aggression. He said the armed forces displayed exceptional courage while the Pakistani nation showed unity, resilience and steadfastness, creating an enduring legacy in the country’s history. Referring to recent military events, Mr Shehbaz praised the armed forces for what he described as their response during “Marka-e-Haq”. He credited Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf with leading the armed forces. “The entire nation is proud of our brave Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy,” he said. The prime minister also described Operation Bunyanum Marsoos as another significant chapter in Pakistan’s military history, saying it demonstrated that the spirit associated with September 6 remained strong. Mr Shehbaz said the challenges facing Pakistan required greater national unity and solidarity. He also accused hostile forces, including what he referred to as “Fitna al Khawarij” and “Fitna al Hindustan”, of continuing efforts against Pakistan. He said those forces were facing successive defeats and stressed the need for the nation to remain united in confronting security challenges. Post navigation Devolution: Khawaja Asif says power-sharing reform is inevitable New Administrative Units: Mohsin Naqvi says public opinion must decide
