PM Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan’s armed forces and nation remain united in protecting the country while calling for economic strength, stability and regional peace.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces, martyrs, veterans and their families, saying Defence Day serves as a reminder of the nation’s unity, resolve and sacrifices for the country’s security and sovereignty.
In his message on Defence and Martyrs’ Day, observed on Sept. 6, the prime minister described the day as a significant chapter in Pakistan’s history and recalled the events of the 1965 war. He said Pakistan’s armed forces demonstrated professional expertise and operational preparedness despite the adversary’s numerical superiority.
Shehbaz said the armed forces displayed exceptional courage during the 1965 war, while the Pakistani nation demonstrated unity, determination and resilience. He said the armed forces and the nation together created an enduring legacy in the country’s history.
Referring to recent military developments, the prime minister said Pakistan’s armed forces had maintained their tradition of bravery in what he described as the “Battle of Truth.” He credited Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and Naval Chief Adm. Naveed Ashraf with professional strategy.
Shehbaz said the success of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos had added another chapter to Pakistan’s military history and demonstrated that the spirit of Sept. 6 remained strong.
The prime minister said Pakistan faced challenges that required greater national unity and solidarity. He alleged that hostile forces, including Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, were pursuing designs against Pakistan, while saying such forces had faced repeated and decisive setbacks.
He also said Pakistan would counter efforts aimed at destabilising the country through hybrid warfare with determination.
Shehbaz identified the elimination of illiteracy, poverty and backwardness as among Pakistan’s major challenges. He said national strength depended not only on defence capabilities but also on a united, peaceful, stable and economically strong society.
The government, he said, would continue efforts to strengthen national security, sovereignty and defence while prioritising economic development, political stability and public welfare.
The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting regional and global peace. He said the country would continue to prioritise cooperation and dialogue in addressing regional challenges.
On Kashmir, Shehbaz said lasting peace in South Asia could not be achieved without a just and sustainable settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He criticised India’s policies on the issue, describing them as an obstacle to lasting regional peace and development.
The prime minister urged the nation to renew its commitment to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s principles of faith, unity and discipline and work together to build a strong, prosperous and developed Pakistan.
He concluded by saying that a strong defence was the foundation of sustainable peace and development, adding that the nation stood alongside its armed forces.
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