On the 61st Defence and Martyrs’ Day, Pakistan’s military leadership paid tribute to generations of defenders who made the ultimate sacrifice, while reaffirming the country’s readiness to respond to any aggression.
The armed forces on Sunday warned that any aggression would receive a “swift and decisive response”, as military leaders, including Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, honoured Pakistan’s martyrs.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said the armed forces remained “fully prepared” to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.
The military reiterated that Pakistan seeks “peace, stability and prosperity in the region” and remains committed to “responsible conduct and peaceful coexistence”.
“This commitment, however, must never be mistaken for weakness,” the military said, warning that any aggression against Pakistan would be met with a “swift and decisive response”.
Munir, along with Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Commander National Strategic Command General Syed Aamer Raza and the armed forces, paid “profound tribute” to Pakistan’s Shuhada.
According to ISPR, they also expressed their “deepest respect and gratitude” to the Ghazis and the families of the martyrs.
The military described September 6 as an “enduring symbol of national unity, courage and resolve”, recalling how the Pakistani nation stood united in defence of the motherland during the 1965 war.
“The Shuhada of Pakistan embody the highest ideals of honour, duty and sacrifice,” ISPR said, paying tribute to generations of defenders who made the ultimate sacrifice across battlefields, skies and seas.
Their legacy, the military said, continued to inspire future generations, while the families of the Shuhada remained symbols of “fortitude and resilience”.
The armed forces also saluted the Ghazis for protecting the country’s frontiers with “valour, steadfastness and distinguished service”.
On Defence and Martyrs’ Day, the military renewed its “solemn pledge” of unwavering devotion to Pakistan and its people.
“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,” ISPR said.
The armed forces vowed to continue fulfilling their responsibilities with “honour, professionalism and unflinching resolve”, while standing united with the nation.