Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said as nation marked the Defence Day, the similar spirit of sacrifice and resilience was required to cope with the current grave challenges in the wake of floods.
In his initial remarks while chairing the meeting of the federal cabinet, he said as the country grappled with unprecedented floods and other challenges, there was a need to recall the spirit of 1965.
The prime minister termed unity as the greatest strength of the Pakistani nation to deal with the challenges effectively.
He said over 30 million people were facing the brunt of flash floods in the shape of loss of lives, infrastructure and crops.
PM Sharif paid tribute to the martyrs of 1965 war who laid down their lives for the safety and security of the country.
He said together, the armed forces and the people had thwarted the Indian machinations to undermine the national integrity.
In view of the heavy losses due to floods, he said, the government had decided to observe the Defence Day with simplicity.
However, he said, the resting places of the martyrs would be adorned with the wreaths and prayers would be offered for their souls.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday laid a wreath at the Martyrs Monument at Shakarparian to pay tribute to the heroes of 1965 war with India.
The prime minister also offered fateha for the souls of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty of the homeland.
Speaking to media on the occasion, he said 57 years ago, the country’s armed forces had thwarted the designs of an enemy four times bigger than it.
He paid tribute to the martyrs including Maj Aziz Bhatti, Major Shabbir Sharif, Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Rafiqui, Major Muhammad Ziauddin Uppal and several others who put their lives on the line to defend the motherland against the Indian aggression.
He said as the country grappled with floods, the entire nation was united to brave the challenges with the spirit of 1965 war.
