PARIS - The 51st Defense Day of Pakistan was observed with traditional zeal at the Embassy of Pakistan in Paris, France today to pay tribute to the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan and all those who laid down their lives while defending the country.

Speaking on the ocasion The Defense Attache Air Commodore Fauad Hatmi said that 1965 War is a glorious chapter of our history that bestows a new determination and unity of the people of our country. What we celebrate each year is not war but the courage and selfless devotion of our people who are committed not only to the defense of the country but to the peace and tranquility across all frontiers of this world. He further said that Pakistan is at the crossroads of numerous challenges and not only facing conventional threat but also is confronted with the risk of terrorism. To counter this, Zarb e Azab was launched two years ago under which so far 19,000 operations have been launched. With the people and the government at the back, Pakistan Army has been aided by invaluable sacrifices rendered by law Enforcement Agencies and unparallel tri-service support especially by Pakistan Air Force which worked in close harmony at every stage of this operation. He said that the Nation salutes innocent children of Army Public School Peshawar, the students of Bacha Khan University, Balochistan’s lawyers, martyrs of the nation, valiant men of the Armed Forces, Intelligence Agencies, Rangers, Police, and Levies who laid their lives in the defense of the country.

The Ambassador of Pakistan, Moin ul Haque, during his address highlighted the significance of the day and paid rich tributes to the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan for their countless sacrifices in safeguarding  the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

The Ambassador added that Operation Zarb-e-Azb launched against the terrorists, in one of the most difficult terrains of the world, has successfully dismantled terrorists’ infrastructure and network.

 He further added that because of the valour of the Armed Forces and sacrifices of the people of Pakistan the terrorist incidents in the country have been significantly reduced as most of the high value targets have been eliminated, while the remaining are on the run.

 The Ambassador also mentioned the valuable contributions of Pakistan Armed Forces in the maintenance of world peace as a major troop contributing country for the UN Peace Keeping missions.

Senator Pascal Allizad, President Pak-France Friendship Group in French Senate was the Chief Guest who cut the cake on the occasion along with the ambassador Moin Ul Haque and Defense Attache Fauad Hatmi. A ceremonial floral wreath was laid by the Chief Guest to commemorate the martyrs of 1965 War. The reception was attended by a large number of officials from French government, parliamentarians, diplomats, defense Attaches of friendly countries, representative of media and think tanks and members of the Pakistani community.

A photo exhibition highlighting the event related to the defense day of Pakistan was also held. The participants showed keen interest in the exhibits ..