ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid rich tribute to the country’s martyrs, ghazis, and the resilient citizens on the 60th Defence and Martyrs’ Day.
The day, which coincided with the blessed occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH), began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on Defence and Martyrs Day, paid glowing tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces and martyrs, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to safeguarding sovereignty, countering external threats, and building a united, prosperous future.
The Prime Minister said September 6 is etched in national history as a symbol of courage, unity, and resilience. Recalling the 1965 war, he noted that Pakistan’s valiant armed forces, with the full support of the people, had thwarted enemy aggression, proving that the country possesses the will and capacity to defend its independence and integrity.
Highlighting the recent “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, Marqa e Haq,” Shehbaz Sharif lauded the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force for their unmatched professionalism and combat skills under the strategic leadership of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir.
He said the nation takes pride in the sacrifices of martyrs and the courage of war veterans, whose example will continue to inspire generations.
Expressing solidarity with the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the prime minister reiterated unwavering support for Kashmiris in Indian IIOJK, stating that their struggle for self-determination cannot be suppressed by force.
He also strongly condemned ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestine and urged the international community to ensure the protection of civilians and uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message issued from the Presidency, called September 6 a “glorious chapter” in Pakistan’s history. He paid rich tribute to the brave soldiers and resilient citizens who, with unshakable faith and unmatched courage, have defended the nation’s borders.
The president highlighted the significance of this year’s Defence Day in light of the recent Operation “Bunyan-um-Marsoos” conducted in May 2025. “Just as our courageous forces demonstrated extraordinary valour and dedication in 1965, our sons once again proved their unmatched bravery during this year’s operation,” he said.
He lauded the professional excellence, combat readiness, and multi-domain capabilities of the Pakistan military, terming the nation’s defence “impregnable” and built on the eternal spirit of its people. As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, he reiterated his commitment to modernising Pakistan’s defence capabilities and emphasised countering modern threats such as hybrid warfare, disinformation, and psychological operations.
President Zardari urged all pillars of the state, particularly the youth, to remain alert, united, and resilient in the face of evolving challenges. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir and Palestine, calling Kashmir the root cause of regional instability and condemning Israeli atrocities as genocide. He demanded a just solution for Kashmir and an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
“Let us remain steadfast, courageous, and united so that the sacrifices of our martyrs are honoured, our defence remains unbreakable, and we pass on a strong, prosperous, and peaceful Pakistan to our future generations,” he concluded, paying tribute to the families of martyrs and veterans.
