We believe in peaceful coexistence: PM
islamabad — Pakistan observed Defence Day on Thursday by paying tribute to martyrs on the 53rd anniversary of the 1965 war with India.
The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals. A change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah in Karachi and at Allama Iqbal’s in Lahore, local media reported.
Special prayers were offered followed by change of guard ceremonies at the mausoleums of Allama Iqbal in Lahore and Mohammed Ali Jinnah in Karachi.
A ceremony at the Pakistan Navy headquarters in Islamabad was also held.
Prime Minister Imran Khan and outgoing President Mamnoon Hussain issued their messages of solidarity on the Defence Day.
Khan said Pakistan believes in peaceful coexistence and wants to promote mutual cooperation with other countries, including its neighbours, on the basis of equality, Radio Pakistan reported.
He said the people of Pakistan have the ability to brave all challenges while following Quaid-iAzam’s principles of Unity, Faith, and Discipline.
“The people of Pakistan will leave no stone unturned in defending their motherland, while standing side by side with (the) valiant armed forces of the country,” he said.
While paying tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in defence of the country, the premier assured their families that all possible steps will be taken for their welfare.
President Mamnoon Hussain said the spirit of sacrifices rendered by the armed forces and the nation should inspire the people to forge unity among their ranks.
The spirit of sacrifices rendered by the armed forces should inspire the people to forge unity Mamnoon Hussain, president
He also emphasised the need to foster collective consciousness and wisdom, saying these traits are imperative to defeat the evil designs and conspiracies of the enemy. The president and prime minister reiterated that the resolution of the Kashmir issue in light of United Nations resolutions is imperative for peace in the region.
Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa too paid tribute to the martyrs and their relatives on the occasion.
The Army Chief also visited the Police Lines Headquarters along with his wife in Islamabad and met the family of martyred sub-inspector Mian Abbas.
General Bajwa acknowledged the late sub-inspector’s sacrifice during a conversation with his son, and assured them of his support.
“There isn’t any other sacrifice greater than one’s life. Our lives are dedicated to Pakistan”, the COAS added.
The day was celebrated across the country with the Army leading the Defence Day activities. —
People of Pakistan will leave no stone unturned in defending their motherland Imran Khan, prime minister
There isn’t any other sacrifice greater than one’s life. Our lives are dedicated to Pakistan Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, army chief