Islamabad, September 6, 2025: Pakistan marked its 60th Defence and Martyrs’ Day on Saturday with solemn ceremonies and tributes from the country’s top civilian and military leadership, honouring the sacrifices of martyrs, veterans, and citizens who defended the nation’s sovereignty.
The commemoration coincided with Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH), beginning with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals.
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu led tributes to the heroes of 1965 and recent conflicts.
ISPR message
In its Defence Day message, the military’s media wing ISPR said:
“On this historic day, our brave soldiers, with the support of the nation, stood like an insurmountable wall against blatant aggression, thwarting the nefarious designs of an enemy far superior in arms and numbers.”
It added that the courage of martyrs continues to inspire future generations, vowing “a befitting and decisive response to any threat to Pakistan’s peace and sovereignty.” The armed forces also pledged full support for victims of ongoing floods.
Guard-changing ceremonies
At Karachi’s Mazar-e-Quaid, a contingent of the PAF Academy Asghar Khan assumed guard duties. Chief guest Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Khan laid a floral wreath and declared:
“Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos reminds us of September 6. But next time, the score won’t be 6–0; it will be 60–0.”
In Lahore, the Army and Rangers took part in the change-of-guards ceremony at Mazar-e-Iqbal, attended by Corps Commander Lt Gen Syed Fayaz Hussain Shah. In Islamabad, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf led a wreath-laying at the Naval Martyrs’ Monument.
President’s tribute
President Asif Ali Zardari called September 6 a “glorious chapter” in Pakistan’s history, praising the courage of the armed forces in both 1965 and the recent Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in May 2025.
He said Pakistan’s defence was “impregnable,” built on professional excellence and the eternal spirit of its people. Highlighting modern threats such as hybrid warfare and disinformation, he vowed to strengthen defence capabilities and reaffirmed support for Kashmir and Palestine, calling Israeli atrocities “genocide.”
“Let us remain steadfast, courageous, and united so that the sacrifices of our martyrs are honoured, our defence remains unbreakable, and we pass on a strong, prosperous, and peaceful Pakistan to our future generations,” he concluded.
Prime Minister’s message
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described September 6 as “a symbol of courage, unity, and resilience,” lauding the professionalism of the Army, Navy, and Air Force during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos under COAS Munir’s leadership.
He stressed the need for economic stability to underpin defence, condemned Indian provocations and foreign-sponsored terrorism, and reaffirmed support for IIOJK’s right to self-determination as well as humanitarian aid for Palestine.
“On this Defence and Martyrs’ Day, let us renew our pledge to Quaid-e-Azam’s timeless principles of faith, unity, and discipline. Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad, Pakistan Paindabad,” the PM said.
