Pakistan's armed forces fully capable of defending the country, says PM as nation marks Defence Day

President Alvi reaffirms support for Kashmir; says country to respond fittingly to any misadventure by enemy state

ISLAMABAD:

On the occasion of Defence and Martyrs Day, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday said Pakistan's stance on peace should not be misconstrued as weakness, adding that the country's armed forces are prepared to respond to any misadventure.

In his message, the premier said the world understands that Pakistan's desire for peace is for the economic wellbeing and prosperity of the people of the region.

He maintained that the resilient nation and the Pakistan Army have time and again proved that they are fully capable of defending the country.

Referring to the men in uniform, Prime Minister Imran Khan in his message observed that size doesn't matter, rather it is the courage and devotion that matters the most.

He said India's abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A was in complete violation of the United Nations Charter and has unleashed terror on innocent Kashmiris.

The premier maintained that Indian armed forces are acting aggressively on the Line of Control (LoC) and such provocation is aimed at diverting the world's attention from their illegal actions in Kashmir.

Message from the Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, @ImranKhanPTI, on the Defence Day of Pakistan.#DefenceDay pic.twitter.com/fzCQP9OUTu

— Prime Minister's Office, Pakistan (@PakPMO) September 6, 2020

'Pakistan on path to prosperity'

President Dr Arif Alvi reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K).

In an apparent reference to India, the leaders asserted that Pakistan will respond fittingly to any misadventure by enemy country.

President Alvi said Pakistan has successfully defeated terrorism and extremism, and is on the path to economic prosperity. He added that the country has worked towards securing peace in the region despite the hostile designs of enemy country.

He reaffirmed Pakistan's pledge to stand with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) in their struggle for their right to self-determination.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz paid tribute to the martyrs and ghazis who sacrificed their lives for the protection and security of their nation.

He reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the people of Kashmir, adding that the prime minister will continue to fight for the innocent Kashmiris at every forum.

The federal minister said Pakistan will continue to extend political, moral and diplomatic support for the people.

Tribute to martyrs

Defence and Martyrs Day is being observed across the nation today, September 6,to pay tribute to the country's martyrs and ghazis to reaffirm Pakistan's commitment to defend the country against any misadventure.

It was on this day in 1965 that the Indian armed forces crossed the international border to attack Pakistan. However, the nation gave a befitting response and foiled the enemy's nefarious designs.

The day was observed through various ceremonies held in cities across the country. Special prayers were offered in mosques for the progress and prosperity of the nation.

The day began with a 31-gun salute at the federal capital and 21-gun salutes at provincial capitals.

A ceremony was held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi where Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa laid a floral wreath at the memorial of the martyrs.

#DefenceDay : Ceremony in connection with the Defence and Martyrs Day held at GHQ, Rawalpindi. COAS laid floral wreath at memorial of martyrs, offered Fateha.#6SeptDayOfPride #OurMartyrsOurHeroes #SaluteToOurHeroes #PakistanZindabad @OfficialDGISPR https://t.co/uxCa7yrWL7 pic.twitter.com/cijB2duJya

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) September 6, 2020

Later in the day, a ceremony will take place at the President House where President Alvi will confer upon military awards to the officers and soldiers of the armed forces in recognition of their services.

A ceremony was held at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad; Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi laid a floral wreath at the memorial of the martyrs.

In Karachi, a change of guard ceremony was held at the Quaid-e-Azam's mausoleum, and a contingent comprising 46 cadets of the Pakistan Air Force Asghar Khan Academy assumed guard duties.

Air Vice Marshal Shakeel Ghazanfar laid the floral wreath and paid tribute to the martyrs.

The Inter-Services Public Relations Director General also remembered the nation's martyrs. The DG dedicated a national song to the nation's heroes in a tweet.

A tribute to our martyrs, our heroes, on the eve of #Defence & Martyrs’ Day.#ہرگھڑی_تیارکامران_ہیں_ہم
#OurMartyrsOurHeroes https://t.co/psf6t1tR57

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) September 5, 2020