CM sings praises of army’s role in the country

Urges people to show unity witnessed during the 1965 war

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the month of September has unique importance in the history of Pakistan as the armed forces gave a befitting reply to the enemy during the war of September 1965.

In his message on Defence Day, the chief minister said the Pakistan Army and the nation proved to be a concrete wall on the day. He added Pakistan proved that unity and cohesion were needed when faced with a difficult situation.

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He said the country faced every challenge with consistency since its creation and September 6 was a day to pay tribute to the great sacrifices of martyrs.

He said that the officers and soldiers of the armed forces which were passionate about defending the country and therefore thwarted the enemy’s designs. Shehbaz continued that the Pakistan army had written immortal stories of bravery and courage during this war. “The army had set wonderful examples on every warfront and this should be remembered in the world, forever,” he added.

The CM added the whole nation was united to face any challenge to national security and survival. “The political and military leadership was fully aware of the conspiracy and tactics of the enemy and the security and solidarity of the country would be protected at any cost. We must also ensure the elevation of national honour and prestige.”

He said the current crop of officers and soldiers were defending internal and external frontiers by following in the footsteps of their forefathers. The CM states that through continuous monitoring of naval, aerial and physical boundaries, the armed forces also played an unforgettable role against terrorism.

The unique solidarity shown by the political and military leadership for the total destruction of terrorism was a bright chapter in national history, he said. “This unique example of national unity had made the enemies of Pakistan aware of the fact that this nation can counter any threat to national security in an effective manner,” he added.



The chief minister further said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had made national defences impregnable by nuclear bomb tests in 1998. He said urged the people of the country to make a solemn vow to defeat internal and external threats the same way they did in 1965.

Shehbaz said people should also make a commitment to disregard internal differences and collectively work to strengthen the country so that Pakistan becomes a welfare state and an economic power in the real sense.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2017.