September 6, 2003	Saturday	Rajab 8, 1424

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window).

ISLAMABAD, Sept 5: As a responsible member of the comity of nations and a nuclear power Pakistan is and will continue to contribute positively towards world peace. Our armed forces will continue to safeguard the sovereignty of Pakistan in a befitting manner.

President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali said in their messages on the occasion of Defence of Pakistan Day.

President in his message has reiterated that Pakistan is a peace loving country and harbours no aggressive designs against any other country.

“Our defence strategy is one of minimum credible deterrence in conventional and unconventional means, which has been quantified in terms of comparative strength, equipment and force levels. With the infinite blessings of Almighty Allah and the support of the nation, our armed forces are ever ready to thwart any aggressive design of the enemy.

“We are also committed to making our country and enlightened, progressive and moderate Islamic welfare state as envisioned by our founding father, the Quaid-i-Azam.

“6th of September is an important milestone in the history of our nation. For it was this day in 1965, when our valiant armed forces backed up with indomitable national resolve thwarted the nefarious designs of the adversary that had dared challenge the territory integrity and sovereignty of our beloved country.

“We observe Sept 6 every year as Defence of Pakistan Day to pay homage and remember the great feasts of courage displayed by our Shuhada and ghazis that every Pakistani can rightfully take pride in.

“The Defence of Pakistan Day is also a day for introspection. Alhamdolillah, over the years the nation‘s defence has been made impregnable. Through concerted efforts, our economy, another important pillar of national security has not only shown signs of recovery, but also emerged as one of the best performing in the region.

“The country today is on the point of an economic takeoff. However, there must be no room for complacency, we must inculcate in ourselves the golden principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline given by Quaid-i-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Prime Minister in his message has said that the Defence of Pakistan Day is celebrated to recall the unforgettable deeds of supreme sacrifices, feats of courage and bravery which our valiant armed forces rendered in the most difficult circumstances to defend the motherland, proving to the world that we are capable of defending our frontiers.

“The 6th of September was that historic day when our brave Armed Forces, fighting shoulder to shoulder with the nation quashed the nefarious designs of the aggressor despite superiority of the enemy in manpower and resources.

“They set examples of courage and bravery to be emulated by posterity. The day reminds us of the “Shuhadas” who embraced martyrdom in the defence of their country. We are all proud of their supreme sacrifices.

“The challenges Pakistan is facing demand of us that we would keep aloft those high standard of valour, courage and sacrifice which we displayed during the glorious days of 1965.