Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid tribute to the officers and soldiers of Pakistan’s Army, Air Force and Navy on Defence Day, as well as to those who have died and been injured in service. She said the nation took pride in its armed forces.
In her message, the chief minister noted that the armed forces had demonstrated high standards of professionalism during Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad and had made significant contributions to the fight against terrorism. She said the entire nation prayed for the safety of military personnel engaged in counter-terrorism efforts.
Maryam said that wars were not won through weapons alone but through faith and conviction. She emphasised that Pakistan, as a nuclear power, had emerged as a strong country with sound defence capabilities, and that the nation stood unified behind its armed forces.
The chief minister also called for national unity and solidarity to counter what she described as hostile forces seeking to create instability in Pakistan, saying such challenges required the country to respond with full resolve and determination.