PRESS RELEASE

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s Message on the Defense Day of Pakistan

Islamabad: September 5, 2015

The Defense Day of Pakistan reminds us of the unflinching resolve, determination, courage and bravery of the Pakistani nation. Today we are celebrating the golden jubilee of those memorable events, when our brave armed forces not only successfully defended its frontiers but also thwarted the nefarious designs of the enemy.

The nation today pays its tributes to those martyrs and Ghazis, who added splendid chapters in the annals of our history by setting examples of valour and courage, and did not even hesitate to render the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives.

This same spirit of service to the nation and dedication to duty remains a hallmark of the armed forces. Our brave officers and soldiers following the footprint of their glorious past continue to successfully defend the country from internal and external threats.

The armed forces of Pakistan, besides keeping a vigil on the air, sea and land frontiers, have also played an unprecedented role in addressing internal issues, like terrorism.

The success of the operation Zarb-e-Azb is a testimony that the armed forces of the country are fully capable of meeting any challenge to the national security. The exemplary unity demonstrated by the political and military leadership in curbing terrorism is yet another splendid chapter of our national history.

This display of national unanimity has made it obvious to all enemies of Pakistan that the nation stands united in the face of any threat to national security and integrity. The Pakistani nation, the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies are determined to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the country.

On this occasion, I would particularly like to salute the courage and valour of all those who laid down their lives and lost their loved ones in the war against terrorism, and were forced to leave their homes and bear material and economic losses. I assure them that their sacrifices would not go in vain. The government and the armed forces of Pakistan are taking all necessary steps for their rehabilitation and early return.

Undoubtedly Pakistan is a responsible and peaceful nuclear power. Though, we are fully aware of the conspiracies and tactics of the enemies, we desire to have good and peaceful relations with all our neighbors on the basis of sovereign equality.

I wish to make it clear that we will protect the sovereignty and security of Pakistan at all cost.

On this occasion of Golden Jubilee of Defense Day of Pakistan, I pay tributes to the armed forces, the national heroes and the martyrs as well as reiterate the resolve that there shall be no compromise on the defense of Pakistan.

We remain committed to the modernization and up gradation of professional capabilities of our armed forces and are fully conscious that professional readiness, determination and courage are guarantors of an independent nation.

PAKISTAN ARMED FORCES ZINDABAD

PAKISTAN PAINDABAD