By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in their separate messages on the Defence and Martyrs’ Day have said the 6th of September is remembered as a symbol of courage, display of unmatched resilience and the spirit of supreme sacrifice by the valiant sons of the soil.
They said in that testing time, not only the Armed Forces of Pakistan fought fearlessly on ground, in air and in waters, but each and every citizen came out to defend and safeguard the motherland.
Referring to Pakistan’s success in the two decades long war against terror, they said Pakistan Armed Forces’ contribution in peace missions worldwide is a matter of great pride which is also rightly acknowledged by the international community.
In a message on the occasion of Defence and Martyrs Day on September 6, President Arif Alvi said, “On this day, 57 years ago, we thwarted the evil design of the enemy and defeated it on all fronts. In that testing time, not only the Armed Forces of Pakistan fought fearlessly on ground, in air and in waters, but each and every citizen came out to defend and safeguard the motherland. 6th September therefore stands out in history as symbol of unwavering national resolve, absolute patriotism, profound professionalism and supreme sacrifice.”
“It is the milestone that generations look upon to reinforce their resolve for keeping the defence of homeland dearer than their own lives. I salute the Martyrs who laid down their lives while fighting for the safety and security of motherland; I salute the families of the Shuhada for setting great example of sacrificing their loved ones; and I also salute the valiant Ghazis who heroically fought while defending every inch of our territory.”
He said the nation as a whole and the jawans and officers of our Armed Forces have displayed the same ‘Spirit of September’, courage and commitment in all testing times – be it a war imposed by the enemy or a situation emerged out of a national calamity. Our success in the two decades long war against terror and the Pakistan Armed Forces’ contribution in peace missions worldwide is a matter of great pride which is also rightly acknowledged by the international community.
“Pakistan is committed to peace and will continue to follow its policy of peaceful coexistence. At the same time, I must emphasize that our desire for peace must not be misconstrued as our weakness. We are well aware of our national as well as international obligations,” he added.
