ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to the armed forces and martyrs of the nation on the occasion of Defence and Martyrs Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its sovereignty, defence, and resilience against external threats.
In his message from the Presidency, President Zardari described September 6 as a “glorious chapter” in the country’s history, marked by the unshakable faith and unmatched courage of the nation’s defenders. He paid homage to the soldiers and citizens who safeguarded Pakistan’s borders in 1965 and stressed that their spirit of sacrifice continues to inspire future generations.
The president highlighted the importance of this year’s Defence Day in the context of the recent Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, conducted in May 2025 against India. “Just as our courageous forces demonstrated extraordinary valor in 1965, our sons once again proved their unmatched bravery during this year’s operation,” he said.
Commending the professionalism, combat readiness, and multi-domain capabilities of the armed forces across land, air, and sea, President Zardari asserted that Pakistan’s defence remains “impregnable,” founded on the resolve of its people and the strength of its military. As Supreme Commander, he pledged continued modernization of defence capabilities to counter hybrid warfare, disinformation, and propaganda.
He urged unity and vigilance, particularly among the youth, in facing evolving challenges. The president reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir and Palestine, calling the Kashmir conflict the root cause of regional instability and demanding a UN-mandated solution. He strongly condemned Israeli atrocities in Palestine, terming them genocide, and reiterated support for an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his Defence Day message, also lauded the sacrifices of the armed forces, calling September 6 a symbol of courage, unity, and resilience. He recalled the 1965 war, when Pakistan’s military, supported by its people, thwarted aggression and proved its ability to defend independence.
Referring to Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, Marqa-e-Haq, he praised the Army, Navy, and Air Force for their professionalism under the leadership of Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir. He emphasized that Pakistan would continue to strengthen its defence while countering terrorism, extremism, and foreign-sponsored proxy wars.
Expressing solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the premier reaffirmed support for their right to self-determination and also condemned Israeli aggression in Palestine. He stressed that economic stability is vital for strong defence and urged the nation to rise above personal differences for collective progress.
“On this Defence and Martyrs Day, let us renew our pledge to the timeless principles of faith, unity, and discipline,” the prime minister said, adding: “Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad, Pakistan Paindabad.”
