Civil, military leaders honour martyrs on Defence Day
President Asif Zardari, PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir
Pakistan is observing Defence and Martyrs Day today (September 6) with ceremonies and tributes nationwide, as the president and prime minister reaffirm their support for the armed forces and express solidarity with the people of Kashmir and Palestine.
The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals.
A guard changing ceremony was held at the Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi. A contigent of the Pakistan Air Forces (PAF) assumed duties of honorary guards with a total of 73 cadets of the PAF deployed.
Representatives of all three armed forces including DG Rangers Sindh, Major General Muhammad Shamraiz, paid their respects at the mausoleum, laid wreaths, and offered Fateha.
Special prayers were offered in mosques for the nation’s progress and prosperity, as well as for the freedom of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIJOK).
The day commemorates the 1965 war, fought between Pakistan and India, after escalating tensions over Kashmir, when India launched an attack across the international border near Lahore.
The president and prime minister described September 6 as a symbol of courage, unity, and resilience. Paying homage to the sacrifices of soldiers and citizens, they said the spirit of the 1965 war continues to guide future generations.
The leaders commended the armed forces’ courage and professionalism in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, Marqa-e-Haq against India, under the command of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir.
President Zardari lauded the armed forces’ multi-domain capabilities on land, air, and sea, declaring the country’s defense “impregnable.”
President urged unity and resilience as he said “the spirit of September will forever echo in the bravery of our armed forces and the resilience of our nation. No challenge can deter us from the path of dignity and sovereignty. Long live Pakistan’s armed forces. Pakistan Zindabad,”.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and constructive international engagement but warned against “continuous Indian provocations and shifting regional dynamics.” He said the country would keep strengthening its defenses while combating foreign-sponsored terrorism and proxy warfare.
6th September is etched in our national memory as a day of valor, unity, and resolve. Sixty years ago, our valiant Armed Forces, with the full support of the people, foiled the enemy’s aggression and proved that Pakistan is a resilient nation, fully capable of safeguarding its…
Both leaders called Kashmir the root cause of regional instability as they reiterated unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Read: Pakistan celebrates Independence Day in spirit
They condemned Israeli “genocide” in Palestine and called for uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza, strongly condemning Israeli aggression.
He also linked economic stability to national security, urging collective efforts for prosperity and self-reliance.
Military honours sacrifices, pledges decisive response to threats
In their separate messages, COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu reaffirmed their pledge to uphold the responsibility entrusted to them by the nation.
“On this historic day, our brave soldiers, with the support of nation, stood like an insurmountable wall against blatant aggression, thwarting the nefarious designs of an enemy far superior in arms and numbers” the military’s media affairs wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff; General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of…
ISPR's statement shared on X
It added that the feats of valour and sacrifice “left an indelible message on the sands of time, that a united nation can never be defeated.”
The statement further noted that the armed forces had always stood with the nation during external aggression, terrorism, and natural disasters. “The Armed Forces will extend all out support to the victims of ongoing floods across Pakistan and will celebrate the Defence and Martyrs Day with utmost humility.”
“Today, we reaffirm our pledge to uphold the sacred responsibility entrusted to us by the nation. Pakistan Armed Forces remain ever vigilant and prepared to defend the country against all kinds of threats. Any attempt to disrupt our hard-earned peace will be met with a befitting and decisive response. May Allah Almighty continue to bless Pakistan with peace, stability and strength,” the statement concluded.
Pakistan Embassy in Turkey pays tribute
Defence and Martyrs Day was commemorated at the Pakistan Embassy in Ankara, Turkey today. The event was attended by Yaşar Güler the Minister of Defence of Turkey as Chief Guest, alongside other senior Turkish civil and military officials. Minister Güler reaffirmed Turkey's strong solidarity with Pakistan and commitment to advance bilateral defence cooperation.
Pakistani Ambassador to Turkey Dr. Yousaf Junaid highlighted the significance of September 6 as a symbol of national unity and resilience. He recalled the bravery of Pakistan's armed forces during the 1965 war and referenced recent operations Marka-e-Haq.
The Ambassador emphasied the importance of resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute for lasting peace in South Asia and thanked Turkey for its continued support to Pakistan.