#DefenceDay: Politicians pay tribute to indomitable spirit of armed forces

Pakistan Army Chief Gen Bajwa vows army will fight against threats with the nation's support

Web Desk

September 06, 2020

A member of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) stands guard at the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah during the Defence Day ceremonies, or Pakistan's Memorial Day, in Karachi, Pakistan September 6, 2020. — Reuters/Akhtar Soomro

As Pakistan celebrates its 55th Defence Day, in recognition of the martyrs who rendered sacrifices for their motherland's defence, the country's leadership paid tribute to the indomitable spirit of the armed forces.

On September 6, 1965, the Pakistani armed forces stood strong against the enemy who challenged the nation's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Special prayers were offered after Fajr in mosques across the country for development and prosperity of the country and the Pakistan Army. A day prior, in Islamabad, spectacular fireworks were displayed at midnight, spreading a rainbow of colours in the capital city's sky, while national anthems were played to commemorate the day.

Earlier today, Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa warned the nation of the perils of fifth-generation — or hybrid — warfare, saying that its aim was to “discredit the country and the armed forces, and to spread chaos”.

The army chief also vowed that the army would fight against the threat with the support of the nation and be successful against it.

He said that after Pakistan had fought hard and attained peace, it was now time to look to the country's prosperity and development.

Here's how the country's leadership paid tribute to Pakistan's armed forces:

Martyrs, our Legends and Brave Heroes

The government released special footage in tribute for the armed forces and all those who had sacrificed their life for their beloved homeland.

'No enemy can defeat a nation so united' — PM Imran Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan recalled the unity with which Pakistan had thwarted India's nefarious attempts in 1965. "No enemy can defeat a nation so united in purpose," he said, adding: "It's this spirit we need today to make Jinnah's Pakistan."

'Surkhro': a tribute to the brave sons of the soil

The Pakistan Navy, on the occasion, released a promo of a special docufilm titled "Surkhro". It shows a successful operation by Pakistan Navy "to prevent Indian submarine from entering Pakistani waters during a post-Pulwama standoff".

'Our pride' — Shah Mahmood Qureshi

Foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the entire nation pays tribute to our brave soldiers. "Our army is our pride," he said, adding that he sends his salutations to all those who were martyred defending the country and their families.

'Should also remember our Kashmiri brothers' — Ijaz Shah

Interior minister Ijaz Shah also paid tribute to the armed forces, and said we must "also remember our Kashmiri brothers".

'How can we ever repay them?' — Fawad Chaudhry

Science minister Fawad Chaudhry said that he prayed for the country's martyrs in Jhelum today. "How can we ever repay their sacrifice?"

"The grief of a mother and father, the longing of a sibling, the companionship of friends, and the orphaning of children, how can these sorrows be summed up into words?" he asked.

'Largest tank battle since WWII' — Shireen Mazari

Human rights minister Shireen Mazari recalled some of the events that get "lost in the macro analysis" of the war.

"The battle of Chawinda, the largest tank battle since World War II, halted Indian attack in Sialkot campaign; our heroes of Pakistan Air Force, the Navy's attack on Dwarkha," she wrote, listing the events.

Shibli shares father Ahmad Faraz's work

Information minister Shibli Faraz shared some of the poetry penned by his father Ahmad Faraz on the occasion.

'Owe our freedom to our martyrs' — Usman Buzdar

Punjab chief minister Usman Buzdar said our brave soldiers "not only repelled the [indian] attack but showed them what freedom means to us".

"We owe our freedom to our martyrs and jawans who are still sacrificing their lives for Pakistan!" he added.

'Winds of the homeland salute you' — Sheikh Rashid Ahmad

Railways minister Sheikh Rashif Ahmed paid tribute to the Pakistan Air Force with a special video.

'When a cowardly enemy came to kill...' — Murad Saeed

Commemorating Defence Day in Kashmir

'Homage to the nation' — Ali Haider Zaidi

Martime affairs minister Ali Zaidi said "we pay homage to the nation for its unity and spirit to support our fighting men and women in times of crisis"

He also quoted Theodore Roosevelt saying that a good Navy is the "surest guarantee of peace".