Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute on Sunday to martyrs and veterans of Pakistan’s armed forces on Defence and Martyrs’ Day, September 6. The leaders reaffirmed the country’s commitment to national unity, sovereignty and security.
Shehbaz described the day as a glorious chapter in national history, noting the armed forces’ professionalism and operational readiness during the 1965 war despite the enemy’s numerical superiority. Zardari said the sacrifices made in 1965 demonstrated unparalleled resolve and courage in defending the homeland.
Both leaders connected the spirit of the 1965 conflict to Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and Marka-e-Haq, describing recent military successes as continuations of that legacy. They highlighted the unity displayed by the armed forces and the nation as a source of collective strength and emphasised that no external force could defeat Pakistan when united.
The leaders also addressed current security challenges, regional peace efforts and the Kashmir dispute, calling for lasting resolution. They stressed that Pakistan’s strength lay not only in defence capabilities but also in economic development, education and political stability. Both concluded by urging the nation to renew its commitment to the founding principles of the state.