Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar on Wednesday said that the entire nation stands united alongside their Defence Forces, to thwart "evil designs" against the integrity and prosperity of Pakistan.
The prime minister premier made the remarks as the nation is observing Defence Day to commemorate the sacrifices of fallen heroes during the 1965 war.
The day dawned with 31-gun salute at the federal capital and 21-gun salute at provincial capitals. Change of guard ceremonies were also held at the mausoleums of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal in Karachi and Lahore, respectively.
In his message on the occasion PM Kakar said that September 6 is remembered as the day of vigour, bravery, courage and resilience.
"This glorious day, where the entire Pakistani nation stood side by side with its Armed Forces, calls upon us to make a pledge to renew the spirit of loyalty and service to Pakistan and pay tribute to valiant sons of the soil who embraced 'Shahadat' while ensuring security of the nation," he said.
The prime minister added that defence of the country is not limited to September 6 alone, rather stretches upon an entire lifetime and encompasses all dimensions of physical and ideological frontiers, which needs to be guarded.
"When Pakistan is confronted with multiple security challenges in the shape of extremism, terrorism and external aggression, the entire nation stands united alongside their Defence Forces, to thwart evil designs against the integrity and prosperity of Pakistan," PM Kakar asserted.
Separately, the prime laid floral wreath here at Yadgar-e-Shuhada in Islamabad to pay homage and tribute to the valiant soldiers of the armed forces.
Speaking at a ceremony held here at Pakistan monument in connection with the Defence and Martyrs Day, the prime minister said “We come here to pay tribute to valiant sons of the soil who embraced ‘Shahadat’ while ensuring the security of the nation”.
He said “our martyrs who embraced martyrdom for the sake of their people and the country can never be forgotten and will always remain in our hearts”.
The prime minister said the Holy Quran had also specifically mentioned martyrs with great reverence.
PM Kakar said that the people, who in their respective times sacrificed their lives to safeguard their nation, country, people and laws had in fact offered their lives in the way of Allah Almighty.
Referring to the moments of martyrdom of the valiant soldiers, the prime minister said “this is the moment that appears to be death but actually it is the moment of meeting with the immortal”.
"The way the martyrs receive peace and blessings after death, they would have been longing for sacrificing their lives again and again" PM Kakar said.
Meanwhile, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), Services Chiefs and Armed Forces of the country have paid rich tribute to Martyrs, their families and war veterans on Defence and Martyrs' Day.
According to the Inter Services Public Relations, (ISPR), in its message the country's military leadership said that on September 6, 1965, it was yet again displayed that a smaller but righteous force overcame a numerically larger enemy with professionalism, determination and faith.
"Indeed this day and associated heroics and sacrifices continue to inspire our generations. The day exudes the spirit of unity and sacrifice in the defence of our motherland," the military's media wing said.
The statement said that Pakistan Armed Forces remain committed to ensuring the defence of the motherland against all internal and external threats.
"Hostile efforts to spoil the hard-earned peace will be met with the full might of the Armed Forces, backed with the support and resolve of the people of Pakistan, Inshallah," the ISPR said.
