“A great reference to Pakistan’s national identity,” says the PM on observing the Defence Day Pakistan has been observing 6 September as its Defence Day. On 6 September 2024, it observed the 59th to commemorate the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war. 

A ceremony was held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi,attended by PM Shehbaz Sharif, top military leaders, including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and families and friends of martyred soldiers. Both PM Sharif and Gen Munir addressed the attendees and paid homage to the fallen heroes of the war.

Who said what on Pakistan’s Defence Day
PM Shehbaz Sharif: Terming the day as “a great reference to Pakistan’s national identity,” PM Sharif stated that the day “reminds us of the national harmony which has always helped the nation to thwart nefarious designs of the enemy.” He acknowledged the sacrifices of the soldiers for the country and said “This moment is an honor for me that I am addressing the brave soldiers and families of the martyred of the country. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by the soldiers for the independence and security of our country.” Further, he emphasized that Pakistan is a peaceful country and “peace is our prime wish.” He also stressed that Pakistan has no “violent intentions towards any neighboring country.” Additionally, with its robust defence, nuclear, military capabilities, Pakistan is an important player in the path towards global peace. PM Sharif highlighted that despite defeating its enemies, Pakistan has faced multiple threats time and again, threatening its existence. He also vowed to crush “the head of terrorism.” In this regard, he stated that “the armed forces of Pakistan and the law enforcement agencies will follow the Fitna-al Khawarij and their facilitators wherever they are and will soon achieve success with the national unity.” He also highlighted that “An unwavering defence is essential for Pakistan” given that the country has “adopted a role against terrorism and extremism.”

General Asim Munir: Paying homage to the martyred soldiers, the COAS  pointed out their role in bringing stability to the country. He highlighted the “heartfelt relationship” between the people and the military stating “The nation has always backed the army, be it the rescue works in the events of natural disasters, foreign hostilities or war against terrorism.” He also emphasized that political differences must not be used to divide the country. He urged the country to “not allow differences in political views to turn into hatred.” He stressed the sacrifices made by the security forces and the “brave people” of the country, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the country’s fight against terrorism and reiterated that “this war will continue until the elimination of all terrorists.” Gen Munir also criticized the human rights violations in Gaza stating that “Israeli aggression, brutality, and exploitation of the Palestinian people is a clear violation of humanity and international laws.” Additionally, he condemned the human rights violations in the “Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.” In this regard, he stated “India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is not only a national problem, but a regional and global problem,” he said. “We salute the freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people, and maintain that the establishment of sustainable peace in South Asia lies in the solution of the Kashmir issue.”

References
“Defence Day ceremony: Abuse or bullets no solution to problems, says PM,” The News International, 7 September
“Don’t let politics turn into hatred: COAS,” The Express Tribune, 7 September
“Do not let political differences turn into hatred: army chief,” Dawn, 6 September 2024
“PM Shehbaz seeks total elimination of Fitna al-Khawarij,” The Express Tribune, 6 September
“COAS calls for national unity in Defence and Martyrs Day address at GHQ,” The Express Tribune, 6 September