On the 50th anniversary of the Defence Day of Pakistan, I am pleased to share exclusive feelings of pride and honour with all countrymen. Indeed, in the long and arduous struggle, spanning over five decades, to preserve our freedom, the Defence Forces of Pakistan faced many challenges, but never faltered in accomplishing the sacred mission of national defence. No doubt, our triumph over all these tribulations manifests our indomitable will to ensure an impregnable defence of the motherland.
In September 1965, the passion and resolve of PAF aviators to safeguard the aerial frontiers rendered them victorious in the vastness of skies. While they were making history with their magnificent machines, the Pak Army was moving ahead on ground with an added assuredness, and the Pak Navy was exploring the immensity of waters with more conviction. The determination of these sterling men gained further impetus with the active support of the entire nation. It was owing to this unmatchable synergy and enthusiasm that we defeated the enemy in an exemplary manner, which had numerical superiority.
We have been put to test many a times since our unparalleled success in the 1965 War. Whether it was aggression from across the border or resistance from the extremist elements from within the country, following in the footsteps of our worthy elders we manfully rose to each challenge. Certainly, it is this continued inspiration and motivation to serve and defend our country that over the years no enemy has been able to undermine our will to protect our nation and safeguard our sovereignty. The proof is resounding success of our Defence Forces in the on-going Operation Zarb-e-Azb against the extremist elements. Being the front-line of national Defence, PAF is proud of its contributions in the on-going War on Terror and maintaining exemplary jointness with the Sister Services. Indeed, no one can overpower a nation, which is imbued with the strong sense of patriotism, and reverence for the ancestors.
My Dear Countrymen! We are a resilient nation, which has always proved its worth in difficult times, whether those were natural calamities or an imposed armed conflict, as in 1965. Though, a peace loving nation, but we know how to thwart the heinous attempts that disrupt our peaceful way of life and certainly, our strength is in this resolve. Today, let us re-pledge to make Pakistan a truly dynamic and prosperous country; by firmly following the great Quaid’s golden principles of Unity, faith and Discipline, as our national ideals. Also, let us inculcate in our posterity the values of honesty, truthfulness, and integrity to make them rise to the heights of glory so that Pakistan’s flag always flies high among the nations of the world. On this occasion, I would like to assure you that Pakistan Air Force, with state-of-the-art equipment on its inventory and a highly capable workforce, is fully prepared to defend the aerial frontiers of its motherland. May Allah grant us strength and vision to prove equal to the task. g