PM Shehbaz says entire nation salutes its Ghazis and martyrs

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the entire nation salutes its Ghazis and martyrs who have defeated Pakistan’s enemy who was four times bigger than it, population-wise, economically and militarily.

He was addressing a ceremony held to celebrate the Defence and Martyrs’ Day in Islamabad on Tuesday. The premier said that our Army was able to crush the enemy because of their firm faith and determination.

Appreciating Army’s efforts in country’s flood-hit areas, he said that both Army and the entire nation are working together in the rescue and relief efforts.

He said the floods have united people in the same way as we had seen the spirit of togetherness in the war of Sept 6, 1965 when there was no Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi and Pathan. Everyone is putting his effort to mitigate the losses of floods in an unprecedented way, he said adding that the country had never faced a calamity of such magnitude in its entire history. “Everyone including people, federal and provincial governments and Armed forces are battling with this natural catastrophe by creating a united front,” he added.

In his address, the premier remembered and paid tribute to the six Army officials including Commander 12 Corps who embraced martyrdom during Army aviation helicopter crash which was on flood relief operations in Lasbela, Balochistan on Aug 2.

He also paid glowing tributes to the heroes of Sept 6 war including Maj Shaheed Aziz Bhatti, Maj Shabbir Shaheed, squadron leader Sarfraz Rafiqui, Maj Mohummad Ziauddin and others.

In the end, PM Shehbaz hoped that Pakistan would attain dignity and high stature in the comity of nation.

Defence and Martyrs Day

The nation observed Defence and Martyrs’ Day on Tuesday to pay tributes to the martyrs and ghazis and reaffirm commitment to defend the motherland against all threats, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.   

It was on this day in 1965 that the Indian forces crossed international border in the dead of the night to attack Pakistan but the nation foiled nefarious designs of the enemy.

Special prayers were offered after Fajr in mosques this morning for progress and prosperity of the country and independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir from the cruel clutches of India.

State0run Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Television PTV broadcast special programs, containing national songs, interviews of the family members of martyrs and ghazis to pay homage to the defenders of the motherland.   

PM at Pakistan Monument

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif laid a floral wrath at the Pakistan Monument Shakarparian.

President, PM messages

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.

The President and the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and said Pakistan will continue to follow its policy of peaceful coexistence.

However, they said at the same time our desire for peace must not be misconstrued as our weakness.

They said we are well aware of our national as well as international obligations.

COAS on Sept 6

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Qamar Javed Bajwa said that 6 Sept symbolises unwavering resolve of Pak Armed Forces backed by great Pakitan Nation to defend motherland against all odds.

“Nation salutes our heroes. “We owe our freedom and peace to unprecedented sacrifices of martyrs to keep the flag high,” army chief said.

Change of guard ceremony at Mazar-e-Quaid

A change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi by Cadets from PAF Academy Asghar Khan.