PM Imran Khan, President Manoon Hussain. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Outgoing President Mamnoon Hussain's message focused on unity and fostering collective wisdom to defeat the evil designs of Pakistan's enemies.
“September 6 is a landmark in the history of Pakistan. 53 years ago on this day, the valiant armed forces of Pakistan successfully repulsed the enemy’s aggression and defended the homeland. People demonstrated unsurpassed national unity and stood by their armed forces to thwart the evil designs of the enemy. Every year on this day, we pay tribute to our Shuhada and Ghazis and reiterate our resolve to defend the country,” the president said in a message on the Defence Day.
“With the unwavering support of the entire nation, our law enforcement agencies have shown resolute courage and commitment while fighting this difficult war,” he added.
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In his message, Prime Minister Imran Khan said the commemoration of the day reiterates that the nation and its armed forces will "spare no effort to protect the motherland".
PM Imran said Pakistan believed in peaceful co-existence and wanted to promote mutual cooperation on the basis of equality with the world including the neighbours.
“Furthermore, we all collectively will face our problems following the Quaid’s principles of faith, unity and discipline. Let's play our role with diligence and devotion for the progress of the country.”
The premier said Defence Day was the best reflection of national unity and solidarity and added that the whole world had witnessed the passion of Pakistani people and its armed forces. He also paid tribute to sacrifices rendered by the armed forces and people of the country in the ongoing war on terror.
In pictures: Pakistan's Defence Day celebrated
Pakistan Army's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), released a video song in commemoration of defence services rendered by the armed forces.
The promo shared by DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor showed combined footage of the country’s forces putting their lives on the line to protect the nation.
🇵🇰
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) September 6, 2018
یومِ دفاع و شہدا۶ 2018
GHQ میں مرکزی تقریب کی جھلکیاں۔
6 ستمبر 18 رات 8 بجے سے براہ راست نشر ہو گی۔۔۔۔ #ہمیں_پیار_ہے_پاکستان_سے pic.twitter.com/a3icAcxI7d
In another tweet, he urged nation to visit homes of martyrs.
It’s ‘Defence & Martyrs Day’ today. Let’s visit homes of our martyrs. Let’s salute them and their great families. Let’s thank them for their great sacrifices for our country. Great nations never forget their martyrs; we are a great nation.#WeLovePakistan
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) September 6, 2018
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President-elect Dr Arif Alvi also took to to the mirco-blogging site to commemorate Defence Day.
"Today I honour the brave soldiers of Pakistan and the martyrs who laid down their lives so that we could live and prosper. I condole with their families, specially the children who were deprived of their love but I do promise that they have our continuous support & prayers."
Today I honour the brave soldiers of Pakistan and the martyrs who laid down their lives so that we could live and prosper. I condole with their families, specially the children who were deprived of their love but I do promise that they have our continuous support & prayers
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) September 6, 2018
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the day was a reminder to enemies of a lesson that the armed forces and nation will stay united to defend the country and work for its progress.
“Our martyrs are our pride,” he said. “There is a message for the international community that a dream of durable peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without resolution of outstanding Kashmir dispute.
“The enemy is involved in worsening the situation in the country specially Balochista,” said Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Jam Kamal Khan.
He lauded “unprecedented achievements made by the security forces in elimination of menace of terrorism in the country.”
Nation commemorates 53rd Defence Day
In his message, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said the Pakistan Railways had not forgotten martyrs and Ghazis. Pictures and messages of martyrs have been displayed on trains.
Former Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif revived memories of "legendary valour and bravery showed by the armed forces."
The unmistakable message is that when the people forge unity in their ranks, no obstacle is too insurmountable & no challenge too daunting to be overcome.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 6, 2018
Every Pakistani is proud of their heroes. Pakistan Zindabad! -ss
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