Defence Day: Zardari, Shehbaz renew pledge to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan observed Defence and Martyrs’ Day on Sunday with nationwide ceremonies honouring the country’s martyrs, veterans and their families.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed national unity, strong defence, economic stability and Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace.

The day marked the 61st anniversary of the 1965 war and began with Quran recitation and special prayers in mosques across the country for the martyrs and for Pakistan’s security, stability and prosperity.

A 31-gun salute was held in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in the provincial capitals, while a change-of-guards ceremony took place at the Quaid-i-Azam’s mausoleum in Karachi.

In separate messages, President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz paid tribute to the armed forces’ martyrs and veterans, describing September 6 as a defining moment in Pakistan’s history and recalling what they termed the armed forces’ resistance to India’s 1965 attack.

The president said the sacrifices made for Pakistan’s freedom, sovereignty and national security remained unforgettable and served as a guiding light for future generations.

He said the unity demonstrated by the nation and armed forces in 1965 remained a manifestation of Pakistan’s collective strength, adding that no power could defeat a nation united in defence of its homeland.

"The spirit of 6th September was once again reflected in the resounding success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. Victory in Marka-e-Haq represents a continuation of the spirit of patriotism and freedom embodied by 6th September. Marka-e-Haq has added another glorious chapter to our… pic.twitter.com/pXVhVZynDR

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) September 6, 2026

Zardari also linked the spirit of September 6 with last year’s Marka-i-Haq, saying the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos represented a continuation of the patriotism and determination associated with the 1965 war.

He stressed that Pakistan would not compromise on its sovereignty, territorial integrity or national security and called for a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute, saying lasting peace in South Asia was not possible without resolving the issue in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of Kashmiris.

The president also accused India of promoting terrorism in Pakistan through proxies and urged it to desist from such activities.

At the same time, Zardari emphasised that Pakistan’s strength extended beyond military capability, saying economic stability, political tolerance, national unity, education and development were equally important foundations for the country’s future.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif similarly described September 6 as a glorious chapter in Pakistan’s history and paid tribute to the Army, Air Force and Navy, as well as the families of those who had sacrificed their lives in defence of the country.

He said the 1965 war demonstrated national unity, resolve and steadfastness, while the armed forces displayed professionalism and courage despite India’s numerical superiority.

The prime minister also referred to last year’s four-day conflict with India, saying the armed forces had responded in a manner that would be remembered for generations. He said Operation Bunyanum Marsoos had added another chapter to Pakistan’s military history and demonstrated that the spirit of September 6 remained alive.

Shehbaz said Pakistan faced challenges that required greater national unity and solidarity. He identified poverty, ignorance and backwardness among the country’s foremost challenges and said economic development, political stability and public welfare remained government priorities.

He said Pakistan would continue to play an active and constructive role in promoting peace and stability at regional and global levels, with cooperation and dialogue preferred for addressing regional disputes.

The prime minister also stressed that Pakistan’s strength depended not only on defence capabilities but on being a united, peaceful, stable and economically strong country.

Military leadership pays tribute

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the country’s top military leadership paid profound tribute to the martyrs and expressed gratitude to veterans and the families of fallen soldiers.

The military’s media wing said September 6 remained a symbol of national unity, courage and resolve, recalling how the Pakistani nation stood together during the 1965 war.

It said successive generations of Pakistan’s defenders had made sacrifices across battlefields, the skies and the seas, while families of the martyrs continued to represent fortitude and resilience.

The armed forces said they remained fully prepared to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests, while reiterating that the country sought peace, stability and prosperity in the region and remained committed to peaceful coexistence.

The statement warned, however, that Pakistan’s commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness and that any aggression would receive a swift and decisive response.

Change of guards at Quaid’s mausoleum

In Karachi, a ceremonial change of guards was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, with 72 Pakistan Air Force Academy cadets, including 64 men and eight women, taking over guard duties.

Air Vice Marshal Hasan Faisal, Air Officer Commanding Pakistan Air Force Academy Asghar Khan, reviewed the parade, laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered Fateha.

Addressing the ceremony, Hasan Faisal said September 6 recalled a defining moment in the country’s history and highlighted the founder’s message of unity, faith and sacrifice.

He said the Pakistan Air Force had fulfilled its responsibilities during the wars of 1965 and 1971 as well as last year’s Marka-i-Haq, adding that the country’s airspace remained in the safe hands of the PAF.

Ceremonies across Pakistan

Defence Day ceremonies were also held in Muzaffarabad, Multan, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Peshawar and Bahawalpur.

In Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Iftikhar Gillani and senior civil and military officials visited the Martyrs’ Memorial, where a smartly turned-out military contingent presented a salute. Floral wreaths were laid and prayers were offered for the martyrs and the security, prosperity and development of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.

Similar ceremonies were held at martyrs’ memorials in Multan, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Peshawar and Bahawalpur, where military contingents presented salutes and officials laid wreaths in remembrance of those who lost their lives defending the country.

Remembering the 1965 war

Defence Day is observed annually on September 6 to commemorate the 1965 war between Pakistan and India.

According to the background material, the war began when Indian forces crossed the international border on September 6. Fighting continued for 17 days before a ceasefire took effect on September 22, followed by negotiations under Soviet auspices that resulted in the Tashkent Declaration in January 1966.

One of the major theatres of the war was the Lahore front, where Pakistani troops sought to prevent Indian forces from advancing towards the city. The battle of Chawinda in the Sialkot sector also became a major tank engagement.

The day is observed as a tribute not only to the armed forces but also to civilians and families who supported the country during the conflict, with the central theme of sacrifice, national unity and defence of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

The messages from the civilian and military leadership this year placed that historical legacy alongside contemporary security challenges, while also emphasising that Pakistan’s long-term strength would depend on economic development, political stability, national cohesion and continued efforts for regional peace.