President Dr Arif Alvi while reiterating nation’s “firm and clear” policy resolved that Pakistan would never compromise its sovereignty and security, making it clear that any kind of misadventure by the enemy would be dealt with severely.

“It makes me happy to state that we have achieved self-reliance in the defence field… We have thwarted external aggression; we have successfully defeated terrorism and extremism, and now we are on the path towards economic prosperity,” the president said in his message to the countrymen on Defence Day of Pakistan annually observed on September 6.

He said the Day reminded the spirit and valour of Pakistan armed forces and the nation, by which they thwarted the evil designs of the enemy on the day, 55 years ago.

He said displaying exemplary courage and professionalism, Pakistan’s army, navy and air force defeated the enemy on all fronts. Not only the armed forces fought fearlessly, but every citizen and segment of society became a defender of the country in that testing time.

The president said the nation saluted the martyrs as well as their families for their fortitude as they set a great example of patriotism by sacrificing their loved ones for defence of the country.

“The Spirit of September, 1965 still lives in our hearts and I can proudly say that because of this, we have come up successful in many testing times. Al Hamd-o-Lillah, our Armed Forces’ professional excellence, combat readiness, and above all their unwavering faith in Allah has made Pakistan invincible,” he remarked.

He said besides safeguarding the frontiers, the armed forces were playing active role in internal security as well as the nation-building.

The president said Pakistan had also made serious efforts with a positive approach towards securing peace in the region but unfortunately, “our enemy keeps hostile designs against us. It is covertly engaged in destabilizing Pakistan and its aggressive policies pose a threat to regional peace and stability.”

“Nevertheless, our policy, in this regard, is firm and clear. We shall never compromise on the sovereignty and security of the country and any kind of misadventure by the enemy will be dealt with severely,” he resolved.

The president reaffirmed the pledge that Pakistan would continue to support the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their struggle till the realisation of the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.

He said the nations those stood firm against odds and show steadfastness in the face of hardships always emerged out stronger.

He paid homage to the nation’s great heroes who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.

“Let’s today make a resolve afresh that while keeping alive in our hearts the spirit of September, we will play our role in safeguarding the sovereignty, security, and prosperity of our country,” the president urged.

In his message, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Pakistan’s desire for peace must not be misconstrued as its weakness because the world understood that it was just for economic well-being and prosperity of the people in the region. “We need to work together for peace and securing a brighter future for our coming generations,” the prime minister said.

He said the resilient nation and the battle-hardened armed forces of Pakistan had time and again proved that they were fully capable of defending the country and were fully prepared to meet any kind of eventuality.

He said September 6 was a day in Pakistan’s glorious history that was commemorated as a symbol of courage, strong will and unmatched spirit of sacrifice by its gallant armed forces.

He said together with the brave nation, Pakistan’s officers, soldiers, sailors and airmen proved to the world 55 year ago on September 6, that they were ever ready to defend every inch of the motherland no matter whatever the cost.
He said the nation and the men in uniform proved that it was not the size that mattered rather it was the courage and devotion that mattered the most.

He said that with the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A, India had not only violated the UN Charter but has also unleashed reign of terror on innocent Kashmiris.

Indians are also showing aggressive posture on the Line of Control and such provocations were aimed at diverting the world attention from Indian atrocities in IIOJK, he added.

He urged the countrymen to pay homage to its martyrs and Ghazis, and pledge anew to defend Pakistan, safeguard its security and sovereignty at all costs with the same spirit, undaunted courage, unconquerable and indomitable spirit as had been displayed by the martyrs and Ghazis (veterans) of 1965 war.