Nation all set to celebrate Defence Day today

President, PM pay homage to heroes of Sept 6;
stress on unity to foil conspiracies against Pakistan; urge world community to play role in solving Kashmir issue

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The nation would celebrate Defence Day on Tuesday with zeal and fervour to pay homage to all those martyrs who offered huge sacrifices for defending the motherland.

On September 6, 1965 Pakistan’s valiant armed forces and the entire nation stood united to thwart nefarious designs of the enemy which dared cast an evil eye on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.

In the provincial capital the day will dawn with 21-gun salute. Special prayers will be offered for solidarity, integrity and prosperity of the nation in all the city mosques.

Tribute will be paid to martyrs of 1965 war by observing one minute silence at 9.29 am. This will be followed by the national anthem which will be aired by all the broadcasting networks at 9.30 am.

The civil society will actively take part in the Defence Day programmes to highlight strong commitment of the nation and the armed forces to defend the motherland.Wreaths will be laid and Fateha offered at the graves of brave Shuhada recipients of Nishan-e-Haider the highest gallantry award of the country.

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in their messages called up people to forge unity to thwart conspiracies hatched against Pakistan. Both urge the United Nations and world community to play their role in solving Kashmir issue in order to bring peace in the region.

President Mamnoon, in his message, has said that the acknowledgement of the sacrifices of September 6 (Defence Day) demands national unity and collective thinking which is a pre-requisite to face challenges to deter nefarious designs and thwart conspiracies against Pakistan.

Paying tribute to the heroes of September 6 the President said the day highlighted people’s resolve to defend the motherland at all costs. “This resolve is the pivot that guarantees the country’s security, progress and prosperity. On this day every year we pay homage to the Shuhada and our Ghazis,” he added.

“I assure the nation that Pakistan’s defence is in safe and strong hands of our formidable armed forces. Our army, navy and air force are equipped with professional proficiency that matches the modern day combat requirements. I am pleased to note that we have achieved the goal of indigenous production of state-of-the-art defence technology,” he noted.

The president observed that the successful Zarb-e-Azb operation improved the security situation in the country for which the nation eulogised and paid tribute to the brave and valiant armed forces.

The president said the stand on Kashmir was clear as it was the unfinished agenda of the United Nations. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kashmiri people to extend moral and diplomatic support for their just and inalienable right of self-determination,” he added.

The president urged the United Nations and the world community to immediately play their due role in resolving the issue of Kashmir without which the dream of peace in South Asia could not be realised.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in his message to the nation, has said that Pakistan’s defence capabilities meet the contemporary needs as its strong defence has ensured peace in South Asia.

He said the country’s defence capability was in fact reflective of the nation s courage steadfastness and determination and showed how capable it was to face difficult situations. “Operation Zarb-e-Azb is a continuation of this conviction which has resulted in containing terrorists through combined will of our political leadership determination of the nation and sacrifices and professionalism of armed forces and security institutions,” he said.

Nawaz Sharif said the fast changing global scenario internal and external conspiracies and terrorism were the challenges that demanded strong defence besides showing unity within ranks and file of the nation and faith. “We are proud that we did not overlook this fact and our defence capability meets the contemporary needs” he said.

He said the September 6 would be remembered as an ardent and fervent occasion. “On this day our brave armed forces in shoulder to shoulder with the nation had given a clear message of protecting the sovereignty of country by defeating the enemies,” he added.

The Prime Minister also condemned the Indian barbarity in Occupied Kashmir. “We have a clear stance on Kashmir and believe that the solution of this issue only lies in implementation of the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people,” he said.

He said the voice of Kashmiris could not be silenced through aggression nor they could be deprived of their right to self-determination. “Pakistan will continue to extend political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people,” he added.

The prime minister paid tribute to the martyrs of country and reiterated not deter from sacrificing for the solidarity and honour of Pakistan.