General Pervez Musharraf
President of
Islamic Republic of Pakistan

President General Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Federal Ministers and state ministers on Monday in their separate messages in coincidence with Defence Day, (September 6) said that the day has immense importance for the whole nation.
President General Pervez Musharraf in his message said, “September 6 holds significant place in the history of our country, for it was on this day in 1965, when our valiant Armed Forces and the entire nation stood united to thwart the nefarious design of the adversary, which had dared cast an evil eye on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our beloved homeland”. Defence day of Pakistan is a day when we pay homage to our Shuhada and Ghazis who stood steadfast in the face of heavy odds to defeat an adversary that enjoyed overwhelming numerical and technological advantage.
He noted, “as we reflect on the events of September 1965, we must not forget that the major factor, which led to our success, was the fact that the nation and the armed forces stood together as a united and disciplined entity as the embodiment of principles of Unity, Faith and discipline given to us by the father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Today as our nation stands at the crossroads of its destiny, he reiterated “I urge all Pakistanis to imbibe in themselves the spirit of 1965, which is the need of the hour”. He informed that Pakistan was, Alhamdolillah, economically stable, and has an impregnable defence, our nation was still facing multidimensional threats. Therefore, let us pledge today to uphold the dignity, honour and sovereignty of Pakistan at all costs, he added.

Shoukat Aziz
Prime Minister of
Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in his message in coincidence with Defence Day, “We need to draw strength from our faith in Almighty Allah and reinvigorate ourselves to make Pakistan a truly dynamic, prosperous and democratic welfare state, where every citizen can live in peace and harmony”.
“May Allah Almighty to be our protector and Guide.”

Rao Sikandar Iqbal
Federal Defence Minister

Federal Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal said in his message that September 6 was a milestone in the annals of Pakistan’s history. Forty years ago, the brave soldiers, sailors and airmen, in complete unity with the nation, repelled the naked aggression of enemy and defended the sacred frontiers of the motherland, he noted. He informed that it was a day, which marks the resolute will end and determination of the Armed forces and the people of our country to ensure an impregnable defence and a strong and prosperous Pakistan.
“As we commemorate the day and pay rich tributes to our Shuhada and Ghazis, it is binding on us to revive the spirit of national unity and faith and the blessings of Allah to blunt the evil designs of the adversary, he added. He underlined that the war of the 1965 reminds us how a nation small in size, yet high in spirit, stood fast against the enemy’s aggression. Undaunted by the numerical strength and immense stockpiles of arms of the aggressor, it stood committed to its faith and wrote a glorious chapter in its history, he said adding “I, as a defence minister, assure the nation that defence of the motherland is in the hands of those who are second to none soldierly qualities and chivalry”. He went on to say that the government was trying its best to equip the armed forces with the latest arms and equipment to maintain after qualitative edge. “Our armed forces are devoting all their energies to achieving high professional standards, he underlined. He underscored that the whole nation backs the valiant guardians of the country frontiers and prays for their success. “We cherish peace and tranquility the world over. We have always pursued the principles of peaceful co-existence, he said adding at the same time, our desire for peace must not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness”. This day bears testimony of the fact that the people of Pakistan know the value of life with honour and are never reluctant to pay the price in blood, he concluded.

6th September reminds us of a supreme trial in our national history. It was on this day 40 years ago, that our survival was threatened by an enemy possessing over whelming numerical superiority both in force and equipment. Together with the advantage of surprise, the enemy considered it to be a golden opportunity to undo Pakistan.
People of Pakistan had two options to choose from; honourable survival and ignominious capitulation. We chose the path of courage, dignity and honour. From Khyber to Karachi, the Pakistani nation stood like a rock to foil the enemy designs. Pakistani Armed Forces responded to the challenge with alacrity and boldness. With the blessings of Almighty Allah we were able to humble and quash the enemy on land, sea and air.
We are proud of the supreme success of our Armed Forces in the War of 1965. We hold in great esteem the gallantry of our warriors and are profoundly indebted to our Shaheeds and Ghazi’s for showing us the path of honour and glory.
Today the nation is proud of the feats of courage, valour and excellence accomplished by our warriors. However, as we rejoice in victory of 1965 war, we should not lose sigh of the prevailing threat to our national security. Our strength lies in our strong commitment and total preparedness at all times. Let us invoke on this day of thanks giving Almighty’s blessings for our Shuhada. Let us resolve to emulate the examples of our heroes so that we continue to enjoy the pride and esteem of our countrymen. .
Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad
Pakistan Paindabad

Shahid Karimullah
Naval Chief

The day of 6th September reminds us of those dauntless arid daring soldiers who laid down their lives in the defence of the motherland. This is the day to pay tribute to our Shuhuda whose supreme sacrifices in the line of duty will be etched in gold in the history of valour a” faithfulness. On this historic day we also salute the heroic deeds of our Ghazis who gave a new meaning to the words `bold’ and `fearless’ and their innumerable acts of courage and gallantry will ever remain legendary and ionic.
The importance of Pakistan’s geo-strategic location has added a different spectrum to the defence of the nation. It calls for more responsibility and alertness. We have to be on top of the latest technological trends. Stress is to be laid on utilizing our national resources to commit us towards being more self-reliant nation. Pakistan Navy, realizing need of the hour, has evolved an effective strategy to achieve self-reliance in defence production.
With the grace of Almighty, we have made major breakthroughs in indigenous construction of the latest and technologically advanced submarines, missile boats and mine-hunters, which are contributing immensely to the defence and economy of the nation. The officers and men 6f’ Pakistan Navy would like to thank the nation on this auspicious day for having provided us means and support to undertake construction of these state-of-the art platforms. We give back to the nation the smiles and joys by contributing our due share to the social and economic uplift of our citizens.
We adorn the nation with the jewel of education through unique Pakistan Navy School and colleges all over the country. And above all, we give people of Pakistan a sense of pride and security. By the grace of Allah, we stand tall and proud on this auspicious day. We renew our pledge to serve the nation wholeheartedly with vigour, strength, loyalty and alertness. We stand committed and are ready to defend nation and its sacred soil at all costs. May Allah give us the will, courage and strength to live up to the expectations of the nation:
Ameen.

Marshal Kaleem Saadat
Chief of the Air Staff

Whenever called upon to” defend the country’s frontiers against aggression, our armed forces and countrymen have always risen to the occasion and established new chapters of glory. On 6th September, 1965, when our country was challenged, our entire nation rallied behind their armed forces and fought as an invincible force. Every one was inspired by a patriotic fervour and was thirsting for action against the aggressors, thus proving that a nation imbued with the spirit of sacrifice cannot be overawed even by the mightiest of adversaries. While our compatriots did not waver to support their brethren in uniform in this testing time, our soldiers, sailors and airmen fought with such gallantry and professionalism that the enemy was forced to instantly give up the dream of a quick and easy victory against us.
For the PAF, like Pak Army and Pak Navy, it was a moment of supreme trial. Our small, well-trained and highly motivated air force met the challenge courageously and gracefully. Pitted against the numerous waves of attack from an adversary much larger in size and armed to the teeth, our gallant air warriors undertook daring missions and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, in terms of aircraft, men and material. Our support personnel worked with equal zeal to keep our aircraft operationally ready round the clock. The PAF achieved air superiority as early as the third day and flew with full liberty over the entire battle zone and beyond, thus allowing Pak Army greater freedom of action We are proud of the success of our nation and the armed forces and their feats of gallantry in the 1965 War. We are also deeply indebted to our Shaheeds and Ghazis, and will always remember their sacrifices for the nation. Pakistan Air Force is committed to ensure the sanctity of our aerial frontiers, and will Insha Allah never disappoint the nation. We are focusing hard on our defence and are trying to ‘maintain minimum but credible deterrence level. Fully appreciative of our defence needs, we are trying to modernise our air force, to be able to face the dictates of the time squarely. All ranks of the air force are alive to the demands of their calling and our air warriors will not be found wanting when the time for action comes. We need the nation’s good wishes and prayers. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to fulfill our obligations to the best of our abilities and in line with the expectations of the people of Pakistan! Aameen.

Pakistan Zindabad!
Pakistan Air Force Paindabad!

Zahid Ahmed, Minister of state for defence said on Monday 6th September remind us of the supreme sacrifices and indomitable courage of the people and the Armed forces of Pakistan in thwarting the nefarious designs of the adversary who dared challenge the territorial and integrity and sovereignty of our beloved country.
On this historic day, “we pay rich tributes of the courageous men of the Armed forces and salute the Shuhada who laid their lives for the defence the country and forced the enemy to its knees”. The entire nation is proud of its armed forces and the service they perform to the nation. The courage and gallantry of our warriors show us the path of ultimate glory. As a minister of state for defence, “I would like to reiterate on the occasion that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and harbors no aggressive design against any other country”. Our defence strategy is that of maintaining the minimum credible deterrence in terms of comparative strength, equipment and force levels. As a responsible member of the comity of nations and a nuclear power, Pakistan is a will continue towards the promotion of peace and harmony in the world. Besides, Pakistan will also actively pursue the counter-terrorism efforts so as to eliminate this menace from the world. With the infinite blessings by Almighty Allah and the support of the nation, I have no doubt that our Armed forces are ready to thwart any aggressive design of the enemy.

Meanwhile, Governor Sindh, Dr. Ishrat Ul Ibad Khan, in his message on Defence Day of Pakistan has said the nation would observe the Day with a renewed pledge to sacrifice everything to defend the geographical and ideological frontiers of the country. The Governor said, “with the initiative blessings by Almighty Allah, our armed forces with the support of the nation are always ready to thwart aggressive designs of the enemy.” He said, Pakistan was 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 said, the supreme sacrifices rendered by Shuhada and Gahzis were a living monument and the nation could rightly pride itself on the outstanding performance of the defenders of the motherland.