06 September 2004	Monday	20 Rajab 1425

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ISLAMABAD, Sept 5: The challenges Pakistan is facing today demand that the nation should keep aloft the same high standards of valour, courage and sacrifices displayed during the difficult days of 1965.

This was stated by President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in their messages on the occasion of Defence Day of Pakistan, falling on September 6 (today).

The president, in his message, said the 1965 war proved that the nation was not only sensitive and zealous about the country's defence, but also displayed a brave conduct in this regard.

"With the infinite blessings of Almighty Allah, our armed forces with the support of the nation are always ready to thwart aggressive designs of the enemy," he added.

President Musharraf said the Defence Day was observed every year to commemorate the valour, courage and supreme sacrifices of valiant armed forces, who stood steadfast against overwhelming odds and proved to the world that the defence of Pakistan was impregnable beyond a shadow of doubt.

"It was on this day in 1965, when the nation and the armed forces, in an unparalleled show of unity, faith and discipline, thwarted nefarious designs of the enemy, who intoxicated with numerical and technological superiority had dared to challenge Pakistan's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The president said Pakistan was a peace loving country and had promoted every move to establish peace and harmony in the world. Pakistan's role in war on terror has been appreciated at all levels, which reflects our posture as a peaceful nation, he added.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, in his message, said: "September 6 reminds us of the 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 Pakistan's defence is always in safe hands."

The prime minister said the supreme sacrifices rendered by Shuhada and Ghazis were a living monument and the nation could rightly pride itself on the outstanding performance of the defenders of the motherland.

"Today's situation demands of us that we inculcate in ourself the golden principles of faith, unity and discipline to ensure the defence of country's boundaries," he added.

Mr Aziz said present times were difficult because the defence needs had increased due to changes in the global and regional environment.