ISLAMABAD APP, 6th September,2025
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Friday observed the 60th Defence and Martyrs Day, paying rich tribute to the nation’s martyrs, ghazis, and resilient citizens who stood firm in defending the country’s sovereignty. This year’s commemoration carried added significance as it coincided with the blessed occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH).
The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad, followed by ceremonies across the country. Top military leadership — including Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu — laid wreaths and paid homage to the heroes of 1965 and beyond.
ISPR’s Message: Unity as an Indestructible Force
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said September 6, 1965, remains a timeless symbol of Pakistan’s unity and defiance against a much stronger adversary.
“On this day, our brave soldiers stood like an unbreakable wall against blatant aggression, proving that a united nation can never be defeated,” it said.
ISPR also vowed that the armed forces would continue supporting the victims of ongoing floods while ensuring a decisive response to any external or internal threat.
President Zardari: “A Glorious Chapter in History”
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, called September 6 a “glorious chapter” of sacrifice and courage. He praised Pakistan’s armed forces for their professional excellence, combat readiness, and multi-domain capabilities, describing the nation’s defence as “impregnable.”
He linked this year’s observance to the recent Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos (2025), saying Pakistan’s forces once again demonstrated unmatched bravery similar to 1965.
President Zardari also reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance on Kashmir and Palestine, condemning atrocities in both regions and demanding just solutions. He urged the youth to remain vigilant against modern threats such as hybrid warfare and disinformation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif: “A Symbol of Unity and Resilience”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid glowing tribute, calling September 6 “a symbol of courage, unity, and resilience.” He recalled how the armed forces, backed by the people, thwarted enemy aggression in 1965.
Highlighting the May 2025 Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, Marqa-e-Haq, the prime minister praised the Army, Navy, and Air Force for their unmatched professionalism under COAS Field Marshal Munir’s leadership.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, while warning against Indian provocations and proxy warfare. He also expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and condemned Israeli aggression in Palestine.
PM Shehbaz stressed that economic stability is vital for strong defence, urging the nation to rise above divisions for prosperity and self-reliance.
“On this Defence and Martyrs Day, let us renew our pledge to faith, unity, and discipline, as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam. Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad, Pakistan Paindabad,” he concluded.
