President Zardari, PM Shehbaz honour martyrs, reaffirm national resolve on Defence Day
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country’s top military leadership on Sunday paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the Pakistan Armed Forces on the 61st Defence and Martyrs’ Day, reaffirming their commitment to national security and sovereignty. President Zardari hailed the martyrs’ “timeless stories of courage and patriotism”, while PM Shehbaz described September 6 as a “glorious chapter” in the country’s history.
Defence and Martyrs Day was observed on Sunday to pay tribute to martyrs and Ghazis and reaffirm the commitment to defend the motherland against all threats, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
It was on this day in 1965 that Indian forces crossed the international border under the cover of darkness to attack Pakistan, but the nation foiled the nefarious designs of the enemy. September 6 remains an enduring symbol of national unity, courage and resolve, reminding us how the Pakistani nation stood as one in defence of the motherland during the War of 1965.
The day began with a 31-gun salute in the Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals. A change of guards was also held at the Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi.
Special prayers were offered after Fajr in mosques for the progress and prosperity of the country and the independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
President Zardari, PM Shehbaz pay tribute
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the Armed Forces and their families on Defence and Martyrs’ Day, reaffirming the country’s commitment to national security, sovereignty and peace.
In his message, President Zardari said that, on behalf of the entire nation, he saluted the martyrs, veterans and their families, saying their blood and sacrifices had written “timeless stories of courage and patriotism” in national history and would remain a guiding light for generations to come.
He said September 6 held a memorable place in national history as it recalled the sacrifices made to safeguard Pakistan’s freedom, sovereignty and national security.
“Defence and Martyrs’ Day provides us with an opportunity to pay tribute to the immortal sacrifices of the brave sons of the nation who, in 1965, demonstrated unparalleled resolve, courage and devotion in defence of our beloved homeland, defeating the enemy’s nefarious designs on every front,” he said.
Message of President Asif Ali Zardari on Defence and Martyrs Day
6th September holds a memorable place in our national history, reminding us of the great sacrifices made to safeguard our freedom, sovereignty and national security. Defence and Martyrs’ Day provides us with an… pic.twitter.com/VH3YGZX4Ii
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) September 5, 2026
The president said the unity and spirit of faith demonstrated by the Armed Forces and the nation on September 6, 1965, remained a manifestation of the country’s collective strength.
“This day reminds us that when a nation stands united in defence of its freedom, sovereignty and homeland, no power can defeat its resolve,” he said.
President Zardari said the spirit of September 6 had once again been reflected in the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, adding that victory in Marka-e-Haq had continued the spirit of patriotism and freedom embodied by the day.
“Marka-e-Haq has added another glorious chapter to our national history,” he said, describing the success as a testament to the professionalism, courage and bravery of the Armed Forces and the longstanding bond between them and the people.
He said Pakistan remained committed to promoting peace, dialogue and mutual respect in the region and across the world, adding that the country had increasingly emerged as a net regional security provider.
The president described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a manifestation of Pakistan’s commitment to regional security and its growing role as a “responsible and dependable partner” for regional peace and stability.
At the same time, he said there could be no compromise on Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
President Zardari said the international community must recognise that lasting peace in South Asia could not be achieved without resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He also called on India to desist from promoting terrorism in Pakistan through its proxies, saying United Nations reports testified that Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan had received foreign patronage.
“In every conventional and unconventional war imposed by the enemy, our Armed Forces have demonstrated their vigilance, preparedness and unwavering commitment to defending the country,” he said, adding that the entire nation continued to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the Armed Forces.
The president also stressed that Pakistan’s strength depended not only on defence capabilities but also on economic stability, political tolerance, national unity, education and development.
“Together, we must play our part in building a bright, secure and developed Pakistan for our youth and future generations,” he said.
He renewed the nation’s resolve to defend Pakistan’s freedom, sovereignty and security “at all costs” and called for efforts to transform the country, in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, into a “strong, democratic, prosperous and developed state”.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the Armed Forces and their families on behalf of the nation.
In his message, he described September 6 as a “glorious chapter” in national history, recalling the resolve, unity and sacrifices demonstrated by the Armed Forces and the nation in defence of the homeland.
He said the day provided an opportunity to pay tribute to the martyrs and veterans who had made immense sacrifices to safeguard Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and independence.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s Message on Defence & Martyrs Day, 6 September 2026.
6 September is a glorious chapter in our national history, reminding us of the unparalleled resolve, unity and sacrifices demonstrated by our Armed Forces and the nation in defence of…
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 6, 2026
“Despite the enemy’s undeclared aggression and numerical superiority on September 6, 1965, the professionalism and operational preparedness of the Armed Forces inflicted a humiliating and resounding defeat upon it on all fronts,” the prime minister said.
Shehbaz said the 1965 war had demonstrated the exceptional professionalism and courage of the Armed Forces, while the nation had shown “remarkable unity, resilience and steadfastness”.
Referring to Marka-e-Haq, he said the Armed Forces, under the professional leadership of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, had delivered a response to the country’s “age-old adversary” that would be remembered for generations.
“The entire nation is proud of our brave Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy,” he said.
The prime minister said the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos had added another glorious chapter to military history and demonstrated that the spirit and fervour of September 6 remained as strong as ever.
He said the challenges confronting Pakistan required greater national unity and solidarity, adding that the country’s traditional adversary, along with Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan, continued to pursue its “nefarious designs” against Pakistan.
“The sinister designs of hostile forces seeking to destabilise Pakistan through hybrid warfare shall be resolutely defeated,” he said.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan’s foremost challenges included ignorance, poverty and backwardness, and stressed the need to transform the country in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
“Our true strength lies not only in our defence capabilities but also in a united, peaceful, stable and economically strong nation,” he said.
He said the government would continue to strengthen Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and defence while advancing economic development, political stability and public welfare.
The prime minister also said Pakistan would continue to play an active and constructive role in promoting peace and stability at regional and global levels, describing the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a manifestation of the country’s growing role in regional security.
He reiterated Pakistan’s position that lasting and genuine peace in South Asia could not be achieved without resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
On the occasion, the premier called for Quaid-e-Azam’s principles of “faith, unity and discipline” to become an integral part of national life.
“Let us work together to build a strong, prosperous and developed Pakistan,” he said, adding that a strong defence provided the foundation for sustainable peace and development.
Both leaders also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and for peace, stability and prosperity in Pakistan.
ISPR
The country’s top military leadership and the Armed Forces on Sunday paid tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs and expressed their deepest respect and gratitude to veterans and the families of those who had died in service on the occasion of the 61st Defence and Martyrs’ Day.
In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), CDF Munir, Admiral Ashraf, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, Commander National Strategic Command General Syed Aamer Raza, and the armed forces paid “profound tribute to the shuhada of Pakistan and extended their deepest respect and gratitude to the ghazis and the families of our martyrs on the occasion of the 61st Defence and Martyrs’ Day”.
The statement described September 6 as an “enduring symbol of national unity, courage and resolve”, recalling how the nation had stood together in defence of the country during the 1965 war.
It said the martyrs represented the “highest ideals of honour, duty and sacrifice”, with generations of Pakistan’s defenders having served across the battlefields, skies and seas.
“Generations of Pakistan’s defenders have stood sentinels and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation,” the statement said, adding that their “immortal legacy” continued to inspire future generations.
The military leadership also paid tribute to the families of the martyrs, describing them as “enduring symbols of fortitude and resilience”.
It also saluted the country’s veterans, saying the Ghazis continued to guard the nation’s frontiers with “valour, steadfastness and distinguished service”.
The statement reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remained prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.
At the same time, it stressed that Pakistan remained committed to peace and peaceful coexistence, saying the country sought “peace, stability and prosperity in the region”.
“This commitment, however, must never be mistaken for weakness,” the statement warned. “Any aggression against Pakistan will be met with a swift and decisive response.”
The Armed Forces renewed their pledge of “unwavering devotion” to Pakistan and its people, saying the sacrifices of the martyrs and the resilience of their families would remain a source of national strength and pride.
“The supreme sacrifices of our shuhada, the spirit of our Ghazis and the fortitude of their families will forever remain a source of national strength and pride,” it said.
The military leadership said the Armed Forces would continue to fulfil their responsibilities while remaining united with the nation.
“Standing united with the nation, the Armed Forces will continue to discharge their sacred responsibilities with honour, professionalism and unflinching resolve,” the statement concluded.
Dar pays tribute to 1965 war heroes, martyrs and veterans
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar paid tribute to the Armed Forces personnel who had defended the country during the 1965 war, as well as martyrs, veterans and their families.
“On Defence & Martyrs Day, we pay solemn tribute to the valiant members of our Armed Forces who defended the motherland with exceptional courage and sacrifice on 6 September 1965,” Dar said in his message.
He said the spirit displayed during the 1965 war had been demonstrated again during Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
“With the firm support of the people of Pakistan, our Armed Forces resolutely defended the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, reaffirming our national resolve and preparedness to respond decisively to any aggression,” he said.
ہم پاکستان کے شہداء اور غازیوں کو خراجِ عقیدت اور تہہِ دل سے سلام پیش کرتے ہیں۔ pic.twitter.com/NZJZysSwxM
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) September 6, 2026
Dar also acknowledged the sacrifices of security forces and law-enforcement agencies fighting terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
“Pakistan remains determined to eliminate the Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Hindustan and Fitna-al-Khawarij and to defeat all attempts to undermine our peace, stability and development,” he said.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, dialogue and cooperation, while calling for a resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
“Pakistan will continue to extend its moral, political and diplomatic support to their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination,” Dar said.
He said Pakistan remained determined to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests, adding that the courage of the martyrs, strength of the Armed Forces and determination of the people would enable the country to face future challenges.
“Pakistan will meet every challenge with confidence, dignity and resolve,” he said.Read More