PAKISTAN DEFENCE DAY , 6Th SepTember


Rao Sikandar Iqbal
Senior Federal Minister and Minister for Defence


6th of September is a milestone in the annals of our history. Forty years ago, on this day, the brave soldiers, sailors and airmen, in complete unity with the nation, repelled the naked aggression of the enemy and defended the sacred frontiers of the Motherland. It is a day which marks the resolute will and determination of the Armed Forces and the people of our country to ensure an impregnable defence and a strong and prosperous Pakistan.

As we commemorate the Day and pay rich tributes to our Shuhada and Ghazis, it is binding on us to revive the spirit of national unity and faith and the blessings of Allah to blunt the evil designs of the adversary. The war of 1965 reminds us how a nation small in size, yet high in spirit, stood fast against the enemy’s aggression. Undaunted by the numerical strength and immense stockpiles of arms of the aggressor, it stood committed to its faith and wrote a glorious chapter in its history. I, as a Defence Minister, assure the nation that defence of the Motherland is in the hands of those who are second to none in soldierly qualities and chivalry. The government is trying its best to equip the armed forces with the latest arms and equipment to maintain their qualitative edge. Our armed forces are devoting all their energies to achieving high professional standards. The whole nation backs the valiant guardians of the country frontiers and prays for their success. We cherish peace and tranquility the world over. We have always pursued the principles of peaceful co-existence. At the same time, our desire for peace must not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness. This day bears testimony to the fact that the people of Pakistan know the value of life with honour and are never reluctant to pay the price in blood.

May Allah be with us all, Ameen

—

General Ehsan Ul Haq Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military)

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee


6th September reminds us of a supreme trial in our national history. It was on this day 40 years ago, that our survival was threatened by an enemy possessing over whelming numerical superiority both in force and equipment. Together with the advantage of surprise, the enemy considered it to do be a golden opportunity to undo Pakistan.

People of Pakistan had two options to choose from: honourable survival and ignominious capitulation. We chose the path of courage, dignity and honour. From Khyber to Karachi, the Pakistani nation stood like a rock to foil the enemy designs. Pakistan Armed Forces responded to the challenge with alacrity and boldness. With the blessings of Almighty Allah we were able to squash the enemy on land, sea and air.

We are proud of the supreme success of our Armed Forces in the war of 1965. We hold in great esteem the gallantry of our warriors and are profoundly indebted to our Shaheeds and Ghazis for showing us the path of honour and glory. Today the nation is proud of the feats of courage, valour and excellence accomplished by our warriors. However, as we rejoice the victory of 1965 war, we should not lose the sight of the prevailing threat to our national security. Our strength lies in our strong commitment and total preparedness at all times. Let us invoke on this day of thanks giving Almighty’s blessings for our Shuhada. Let us resolve to emulate the examples of our heroes so that we continue to enjoy the pride and esteem of our countrymen.

Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad

Pakistan Paindabad.

—



Admiral Shahid Karimullah 0NI (M), SJ

Chief of the Naval Staff


The day of 6th September reminds us of those dauntless and daring soldiers who laid down their lives in the defence of the motherland. This is the day to pay tribute to our Shuhada whose supreme sacrifices in the line of duty will be etched in gold in the history of valour and faithfulness. On this historic day we also salute the heroic deeds of our Ghazis who gave a new meaning to the word ‘bold’ and ‘fearless’ and their innumerable acts of courage and gallantry will ever remain legendary and iconic.

The importance of Pakistan’s geo-strategic location has added a different spectrum to the defence of the nation. It calls for more responsibility and alertness. We have to be on top of the latest technological trends. Stress is to be laid on utilising our national resources to commit us towards being more self-reliant nation. Pakistan Navy, realising need of the hour, has evolved an effective strategy to achieve self-reliance in defence production. With the grace of Almighty, we have made major breakthroughs in indigenous construction of the latest and technologically advanced submarines, missile boats and mine-hunters, which are contributing immensely to the defence and economy of the nation. The officers and men of Pakistan Navy would like to thank the nation on this auspicious day for having provided us means and support to undertake construction of these state-of-the art platforms.

We give back to the nation the smiles and joys by contributing our due share to the social and economic uplift of our citizens. We adorn the nation with the jewel of education through unique Pakistan Navy School and colleges all over the country. And above all, we give people of Pakistan a sense of pride and security.

By the grace of Allah, we stand tall and proud on this auspicious day. We renew our pledge to serve the nation wholeheartedly with vigour, strength, loyalty and alertness. We stand committed and are ready to defend nation and its sacred soil at all costs. May Allah give us the will, courage and strength to live up to the expectations of the nation: Ameen.

Pakistan Navy Zindabad

Pakistan Paindabad



—

Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat, NI (M)

Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force


Whenever called upon to defend the country’s frontiers against aggression, our armed forces and countrymen have always risen to the occasion and established new chapters of glory. On 6th September, 1965, when our country was challenged, our entire nation rallied behind their armed forces and fought as an invincible force. Every one was inspired by a patriotic fervour and was thirsting for action against the aggressors, thus proving that a nation imbued with the spirit of sacrifice cannot be overawed even by the mightiest of adversaries. While our compatriots did not waver to support their brethren in uniform in this testing time, our soldiers, sailors and airmen fought with such gallantry and professionalism that the enemy was forced to instantly give up the dream of quick and easy victory against us.

For the PAF, like Pak Army and Pak Navy, it was a moment of supreme trial. Our small, well-trained and highly motivated air force met the challenge courageously and gracefully. Pitted against the numerous waves of attack from an adversary much larger in size and armed to the teeth, our gallant air warriors undertook daring missions and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, in terms of aircraft, men and material. Our support personnel worked with equal zeal to keep our aircraft operationally ready round the clock. The PAF achieved air superiority as early as the third day and flew with full liberty over the entire battle zone and beyond, thus allowing Pak Army greater freedom of action.

We are proud of the success of our nation and the armed forces and their feats of gallantry in the 1965 war. We are also deeply indebted to our Shaheeds and Ghazis, and will always remember their sacrifices for the nation.

Pakistan Air Force is committed to ensure the sanctity of our aerial frontiers, and will Insha Allah never disappoint the nation. We are focusing hard on our defence and are trying to "maintain minimum but credible deterrence level. Fully appreciative of our defence needs, we are trying to modernize our air force, to be able to face the dictates of the time squarely. All ranks of the air force are alive to the demands of their calling and our air warriors will not be found wanting when the time for action comes. We need the nation’s good wishes and prayers. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to fulfill our obligations to the best of our abilities and in the line with the expectations of the people of Pakistan!

Ameen.

Pakistan Zindabad

Pakistan Air Force Paindabad

—

General Ahsan Saleem Hyat

Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military)

Vice Chief of the Army Staff


The Sixth of September carries a historical significance not only for the Armed Forces of Pakistan but it brings pride for the whole nation. This day reminds us when forty years ago, our soldiers wrote glorious annals of the valour, courage and self-sacrifice in the face of heavy odds.

This day, during the month of September in 1965, the armed forces supported by the entire nation demonstrated unflinching courage and fortitude abiding the qualities of unity, faith and discipline, thwarted the evil designs of an enemy far superior in numbers. This epoch making event gave birth to many legends of exemplary courage and great determination. Today we pay tributes to these heroes, who rose to the occasion by paying the ultimate price of their lives. Their feats of courage inspire us even today. There can be no better tribute to their souls but our endeavours to emulate their deeds of chivalry and imbibe the same spirit of professionalism and self sacrifice for the greater glory of the nation. May God grant us the strength to prove equal to this task

God be with us all. Ameen.

Long live Pakistan Army

Long live Pakistan