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ISLAMABAD: Acting President Yousuf Raza Gillani on Saturday paid tribute to the officers and soldiers of the armed forces of Pakistan, as well as the martyrs and ghazis, on the occasion of the Defence and Martyrs Day.
He said September 6 marked one of the defining chapters in Pakistan’s history, recalling the nation’s resolve, unity and sacrifices made for the country’s defence. During the 1965 war, the armed forces demonstrated courage, professionalism and strategic skill in the face of the enemy’s designs, while the nation stood alongside them, setting an example of what the country could achieve when it acted as one.
Gillani said the sacrifices of the martyrs formed the basis of Pakistan’s freedom, sovereignty and security. The nation salutes the martyrs and their families, who had given everything for the country. “Pakistan stands today as a sovereign state because of those sacrifices,” he said.
He said institutions such as the Fauji Foundation continued to support the widows and children of martyrs by covering school fees, medical expenses and pensions, reminding the nation that the cost of defending the country extended well beyond the battlefield.
Referring to Marka-e-Haq, the acting president commended the courage and professional capability demonstrated by the armed forces and acknowledged the role of the current military leadership in safeguarding national security while contributing to regional peace and dialogue. Paying tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir as well as the wider military leadership, Gillani said Pakistan was a peace-loving country that supported genuine efforts for lasting peace and stability in the region. He pointed to initiatives such as the Makkah Agreement as reflecting Pakistan’s preference for dialogue and diplomacy over force.
He said Pakistan’s greatest strength lay in its people and its armed forces standing together. He said the mission of the martyrs must be carried forward through collective efforts for unity, democracy and development. He prayed that Allah Almighty grant Pakistan peace and security, protect the personnel of the armed forces and elevate the ranks of the martyrs.
