Secure Pakistan Strong Pakistan - Defence & Martyrs Day: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF)
Defence and Martyrs’ Day of Pakistan stands as a glorious chapter in our national history, reminding us that the defence, freedom, sovereignty and security of our motherland are indebted to the eternal sacrifices of our martyrs and veterans. Today, we pay tribute to all those brave sons of the soil who laid down their lives for the honour and sanctity of their homeland.
6 September 1965 occupies a distinguished place in our national history as an unparalleled story of resolve, courage, valour and national unity. Alhamdulillah, whether in conventional warfare or the long and arduous struggle against terrorism, the officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Pakistan have, fulfilled their responsibilities as a shield for the nation through exemplary professional competence, steadfastness and an unwavering spirit of sacrifice.
The nation’s ironclad resolve, unwavering solidarity and decisive engagement in the Marka-e-Haq constitute glorious chapters in our military history, reflecting the remarkable achievements, operational preparedness and indomitable national will in confronting the enemy. Our Armed Forces have inflicted decisive defeats upon the adversary and set examples in military history that will always be remembered in future.
The changing global and regional environment has fundamentally transformed the character of warfare, the nature of threats and the requirements of national defence. Alhamdulillah, the Armed Forces of Pakistan remain fully cognizant of conventional, unconventional, hybrid and emerging threats and are constantly prepared to counter them effectively. Training aligned with modern requirements, technological advancement, integrated strategies and professional preparedness are being continuously strengthened. Concerted action, with the full strength of the state, resolve and in accordance with the principles of international law, continues against all hostile proxies and their facilitators, including Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khawarij. The Armed Forces of Pakistan remain fully conscious of their constitutional and national responsibilities concerning the defence of the motherland and possess the complete capability to respond decisively to any act of aggression or hostile design.
National power is not confined to military strength alone. Quality education, a resilient economy, advancement in science and technology, the rule of law, national cohesion and collective discipline are equally fundamental pillars of national security. The development, prosperity and stability of Pakistan are a shared national responsibility and mutual trust and unity between state institutions and the people are indispensable to achieving this objective.
Pakistan is a nation committed to peace. Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace reflect Pakistan’s sustained efforts for regional and global peace, its responsible diplomacy, and the international confidence placed in the professional capabilities of the Armed Forces of Pakistan. This acknowledgement of Pakistan’s military professionalism and its constructive contribution to peace is a source of strength and prestige for the nation. We seek lasting peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and beyond.
However, our commitment to peace must never be mistaken for weakness. Let the enemy be clear, any aggression against Pakistan or any hostile design against our national interests will be met with the unwavering resolve of the nation and the full defensive capability of the Armed Forces of Pakistan.
Sustainable peace in South Asia cannot be achieved until a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute. Pakistan will continue its principled, moral, political and diplomatic support for its Kashmiri brothers and sisters until their rightto self-determination is achieved A just resolution of this longstanding dispute, in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, remains the only genuine and lasting guarantee of peace in the region.
Let us, today, renew our pledge, bearing witness to the sacred blood of our martyrs, that we shall never allow the freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity or national dignity of Pakistan to be compromised. The sacrifices of our martyrs are our pride, the courage of our veterans is our strength and the unity of our nation is our greatest power. Our resolve is our strength, our faith is our source of power and Pakistan remains our foremost priority.
May Allah Almighty be our Supporter and Protector, grant us the ability to fulfil our national responsibilities with distinction and bless our nation with steadfastness, unity and enduring honour and prosperity. Ameen.
Long live the Pakistan Army!
Pakistan Paindabad!
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