ISLAMABAD - The High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka celebrated the 50th Defense Day of Pakistan on Sunday evening in Colombo, to commemorate the 1965 war events and sacrifices rendered by valiant forces of Pakistan, said a press release received here from Colombo.
The event attracted large gathering including Sri Lankan Government Ministers, Chief of Defense Staff, Commanders of Armed Forces of Sri Lanka, High Commissioners and Ambassadors, senior officers of Armed Forces of Sri Lanka, Government officials, Pakistani community and important personalities of the society.
The Defense Advisor of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Col Rajil Irshad Khan presented welcome address followed by National Anthem of both friendly and time tested countries.
The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Major General (retd) Syed Shakeel Hussain read out the message of the President of Pakistan. In his messages on the golden jubilee celebrations of Defense Day, President Mamnoon Hussain declared resolve of the nation to protect sovereignty and security of Pakistan at all costs and said that the country is fully aware of the existing environment.
President Mamnoon Hussain reiterated that Pakistan is a peace loving country and it wants peace in the region, however, its desire for peace must not be construed as its weakness.
He said Pakistani nation and its armed forces can go to any extent in securing its borders and safeguarding its sovereignty.
The President emphasized that the lesson learnt from the 1965 War was clear that unity and oneness, commitment and courage and spirit of sacrifice if combined together can make a nation invincible and its defense impregnable.
He said the Armed Forces of Pakistan are professional and equipped for modern day warfare with traditional courage and commitment. They are successfully braving the challenges and frustrating enemy designs on both internal and external fronts.
The President emphasized that successful Zarb-e-Azb operation by Armed forces has proved that any kind of threat posed to country's security and existence will be frustrated.
After reading out the message of the President of Pakistan, the High Commissioner Shakeel Hussain, expressed his gratitude to the guests who had spared time to express solidarity with Pakistan through their presence.
Later, Sri Lanka's Minister of Finance, along with Secretary Defense, Chief of Defense Staff, Commanders of Sri Lanka Army, Air Force, AHM Fowzie, High Commissioner and Defense Advisor cut the cake on the occasion. The audience was treated with Pakistani songs by Sri Lankan Army Band.