Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen,
I welcome you all to this Pakistan Defense and Martyrs’ Day that we observe every year to remember and celebrate the valor, courage, resilience and tenacity of our armed forces.
Fifty eight years ago, Pakistan’s Armed Forces defended our homeland and pushed back the aggressor. Today, we pay tribute to all those who laid down their lives to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our homeland.
Our Armed Forces, comprising Army, Navy and Air force, and complemented by the strategic and para-military forces, are the 6th largest in the world and among the strongest defense forces. Their rank and file, their command and control meet the highest standards of professionalism, commitment and competence.
To combat terrorism, our Armed Forces and our nation have paid a disproportionate and exorbitant price in blood and treasure. More then 80,000 people including 10,000 security personnel have lost their previous lives in this war.
Our troops continue to bear the brunt of a new tide of terrorism which has killed hundreds since August 2021. We are determined to quell this threat.
On this day, we pay tribute to the martyrs of 1965 and send our condolences to the families of recent martyrs, especially their children, as they restart their lives.
We express solidarity with the men, women and children of Jammu and Kashmir who have been giving sacrifices for decades in search of their freedoms and liberties. As we salute the martyrs of 1965, we reiterate our call for the realization of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and international law. This is key to peace and stability in the region.
We are grateful to the United States for its special assistance in the formative phase of Pakistan’s Armed Forces in the 1950s to strengthen our defense capabilities. As I speak, we continue to strengthen the military-to-military relationship between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the United States with particular focus on counter- terrorism, security cooperation, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and military training. Both sides are committed to nurturing this partnership further.
Pakistan Navy, which is the second largest in our region partners with the US led Combined Task Force – CTF 150 & 151 – for maritime security and counter-piracy. Pakistan Navy has held the command of these Task Forces for 21 times. We thank the US Navy for regularly participating in Pakistan’s biennial multi-national AMAN exercises. In February 2023, US Navy ships and special operations teams joined AMAN exercise. In addition, our Army and Air Force regularly hold bilateral exercises with their US counterparts.
Let me take you down the memory lane. We recall how in 1993 on a fateful day, Pakistani peacekeepers saved the lives of American soldiers in Mogadishu. We also remember with gratitude how US Armed Forces airlifted provisions for the communities in Pakistan affected by devastating floods last year. The people of Azad Kashmir, up to this day, remember the sound and sparkle of US Chinook helicopters that were deployed by the US for humanitarian assistance after the 2005 earthquake. These are strong bonds. They need to be developed further.
Our Armed Forces have a great future. They draw their strength from the sublime and indomitable spirit of our nation and the flame of hope for peace and security in the region. We are proud of their professionalism; and the entire nation is indebted to the martyrs and their families.
Long Live Pakistan!
Long Live Pakistan US friendship!