In separate messages marking September 6, Shehbaz described the day as “a glorious chapter in our national history”, saying it recalled the “unparalleled resolve, unity and sacrifices” demonstrated by the armed forces and the nation in defending the country.
He said the day provided an opportunity to honour the martyrs and veterans who made immense sacrifices to protect Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and independence.
“Despite the enemy’s undeclared aggression and numerical superiority on 6 September 1965, the professionalism and operational preparedness of Pakistan’s Armed Forces inflicted a humiliating and resounding defeat upon it on all fronts,” Shehbaz said.
Zardari said September 6 held a “memorable place” in Pakistan’s history, recalling the sacrifices made to protect the country’s freedom, sovereignty and national security.
He said the martyrs of the 1965 war had demonstrated “unparalleled resolve, courage and devotion” in defending the homeland and defeating the enemy’s “nefarious designs on every front”.
National unity
Shehbaz said the 1965 war demonstrated the exceptional professionalism and courage of the armed forces, while the Pakistani nation showed “remarkable unity, resilience and steadfastness”.
“Together they created a proud and enduring legacy in our national history,” he said.
Zardari said the unity and spirit of faith displayed by the armed forces and the nation on September 6, 1965, remained a manifestation of Pakistan’s collective strength.
“This day reminds us that when a nation stands united in defence of its freedom, sovereignty and homeland, no power can defeat its resolve,” he said.
Recent military success
Both leaders linked the spirit of the 1965 war with Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and Marka-e-Haq.
Shehbaz said that during Marka-e-Haq, the armed forces, following the “glorious tradition of valiance” and under the leadership of 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, delivered a response to Pakistan’s “age-old adversary” that would be remembered for generations.
“The entire nation is proud of our brave Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy,” he said.
“The resounding success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos has added another glorious chapter to our military history. Our Armed Forces have once again demonstrated that the spirit and fervour of 6 September remain as strong as ever,” the prime minister added.
Zardari said the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos reflected the spirit of September 6, while the victory in Marka-e-Haq represented a continuation of the patriotism and love of freedom associated with the day.
“Marka-e-Haq has added another glorious chapter to our national history,” he said, describing the outcome as a testament to the “professionalism, courage and bravery” of the armed forces and their longstanding bond with the people.
Security challenges
Shehbaz said the challenges facing Pakistan required “greater national unity and solidarity”.
“Our traditional adversary, along with Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan, continues to pursue its nefarious designs against Pakistan, but these hostile forces are facing successive and decisive defeats,” he said.
He added that attempts to destabilise Pakistan through hybrid warfare would be “resolutely defeated”.
Zardari said there could be “no compromise” on Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
He said the armed forces had demonstrated their “vigilance, preparedness and unwavering commitment” in every conventional and unconventional conflict imposed on the country.
“The entire nation continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with its brave Armed Forces,” he said.
Economic and national strength
Shehbaz said Pakistan’s strength lay not only in its defence capabilities but also in building a united, peaceful, stable and economically strong country.
“Today, our foremost challenge is to eradicate ignorance, poverty and backwardness and to transform Pakistan in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal,” he said.
He said the government would continue measures to strengthen national security, sovereignty and defence while promoting economic development, political stability and public welfare.
Zardari said “economic stability, political tolerance, national unity, education and development”, alongside a strong defence, were the foundations of Pakistan’s strength.
“Together, we must play our part in building a bright, secure and developed Pakistan for our youth and future generations,” he said.
Regional peace
Shehbaz said Pakistan would continue to play an “active and constructive role” in promoting peace and stability at regional and global levels.
“As a responsible state, Pakistan has emerged as a net security stabiliser, contributing to collective security, peace and stability beyond its borders,” he said.
He described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a manifestation of Pakistan’s growing role in regional security and its commitment to collective defence, mutual security and partnerships with friendly countries.
Zardari also said Pakistan, as a “peaceful and responsible state”, remained committed to promoting peace, dialogue and mutual respect in the region and beyond.
He said Pakistan had increasingly emerged as a “net regional security provider”, contributing to peace, stability and collective security beyond its borders.
“The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is a manifestation of Pakistan’s commitment to regional security and its growing role as a responsible and dependable partner for regional peace and stability,” he said.
Kashmir dispute
Both leaders said lasting peace in South Asia could not be achieved without resolving the Kashmir dispute.
Shehbaz said the international community must recognise that “lasting and genuine peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without resolution of the Kashmir issue as per UN Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Kashmir”.
“Quaid-e-Azam described Kashmir as Pakistan’s jugular vein,” he said, adding that India’s “reprehensible conduct and continued intransigence” remained major obstacles to lasting peace, development and prosperity in the region.
Zardari called on India to desist from what he described as promoting terrorism in Pakistan through proxies.
“United Nations reports testify that Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan have received foreign patronage and the nexus between India and the Taliban regime is no longer a secret,” he said.
National resolve
Shehbaz urged the nation to renew its commitment to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s principles of “faith, unity and discipline”.
“Let us work together to build a strong, prosperous and developed Pakistan,” he said.
The prime minister said a strong defence provided the foundation for sustainable peace and development, while the armed forces remained “the guarantors of our national security”.
“The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its brave defenders,” he said.
Zardari called on the nation to renew its resolve to defend Pakistan’s freedom, sovereignty and security “at all costs” while working towards transforming the country, in accordance with Jinnah’s vision, into a “strong, democratic, prosperous and developed state”.
The president also paid tribute to the martyrs, saying their sacrifices had written “timeless stories of courage and patriotism” in Pakistan’s history and would “forever remain a guiding light for generations to come”.
Both leaders prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and for peace, stability and prosperity in Pakistan.
“Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad! Pakistan Paindabad!” they concluded.
Change of guards ceremony
A change of guards ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi to mark Defence Day and commemorate Pakistan’s martyrs.
Cadets of the Pakistan Air Force assumed guard duties at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah during the ceremony.
Air Vice Marshal Hassan Faisal, Air Commandant of PAF Academy Asghar Khan, attended the ceremony as chief guest.
