President, PM stress renewing spirit of 1965
By Saad Saud

ISLAMABAD—President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have urged the nation to pledge anew that the national unity and identity which was discovered in 1965 would be nurtured and strengthened with every passing year.
In his message to the nation on the eve of Defence Day, the president said Pakistan symbolizes the importance that the nation attaches to safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.
The aggression we faced 41 years ago made us conscious about the need to strengthen the defence of our country at all costs. We realized that big countries seeking to impose their hegemony pay little heed to international laws and could violate the sanctity of borders of smaller neighbours with impunity. The answer lies in being strong enough to deter aggressive of the adversary, we needed to possess the capability protect our integrity; safeguard our economic and other vital interest.
With the Grace of Almighty Allah, Pakistan has become a long way since 1965 and we are now a country having an impregnable defence. Pakistan is a nuclear and missile power. Over the years concerted steps have been taken for self-reliance in the field of defence and the country has giant strides in this regard. The Alkhalid and Al-Zarrar Tanks, Augosta-90-B submarine and JF-17 Thunder Fighter Aircraft are shining examples of our achievements in enhancing our indigenous defence capability.
Today is also a day to remember and pay homage to our Shuhada and Ghazis for their patriotism devotion to duty, matchless valour and supreme sacrifices in defence of the country. The 6th of September will also remain forever etched in memory as the day when the entire Pakistan nation ad their valiant armed forces came together in an unmatched display of unity, faith ad discipline, proving to the world that our beloved country was there to stay on the map of the world.
We have faith in our destiny and will work, Insha Allah untiringly to promote unity, solidarity ad cohesiveness in ourselves and make Pakistan an economically and militarily strong country, enjoying its rightful place in the comity of nations. With regard to the Pakistan Armed Forces, I would like to say that the Government is fully aware of their requirements and would continue to provide them total support for not only maintaining but also further enhancing their effectiveness as one of the best fighting outfits in the world.
Meanwhile, in his message the premier said "today we are observing the Defence Day. This is the day when our valiant Armed Forces repelled an attack by a better-equipped and many times bigger circumstances. Our most effective weapon in this war was the golden principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline on the strength of which our elders had won Pakistan. On this occasion pay homage to our martyrs and Ghazis.
In modern times, economic consolidation and self-reliance in armaments are the real strength of a nation for its defence. By the grace of Almighty Allah Pakistan is now a nuclear programme too, is progressing very satisfactorily. On all these successes. I salute our armed forces, engineers and technicians; it is because of their dedication and sincere efforts that Pakistan had reached this stage.
Along with self-reliance in Defence matters, the present government is laboring day and night to maintain the pace of economic development, to enable the fruits of progress to reach the people and to encourage and strengthen democratic institutions. This is so because to join the comity of nations today, it is imperative to attain self-reliance and consolidation in every sphere of life. Now it is the duty of each one of us to work honestly and industriously and to face all hurdles armed with unity, faith and discipline. Insha Allah the day is not far when we too shall be counted among the progressive nations of the world.
Pakistan is a peace loving country. We do not harbour aggressive designs against anyone, nor we involved in an arms race with anyone.
However, we do believe that peace for progress and a dependable minimum deterrence for maintaining peace are absolutely necessary. We therefore, will continue to strengthen our defenses for the protection of our freedom, integrity and independence at all costs, and furnish all available resources for this purpose.
With the Grace of Almighty Allah, the Armed Forces of Pakistan have the potential to race any challenge. The 160 million brave and courageous people of Pakistan too are ready to render any sacrifice for the preservation of their geographical and ideological boundaries. Our history bears witness to the fact that the Pakistan nation comes out with flying colours through any test and emergency.