Islamabad, September 6, 2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has paid tribute to the martyrs, veterans and families of Pakistan’s Armed Forces, describing September 6 as a glorious chapter in the country’s history and a reminder of the nation’s resolve, unity and sacrifices in defence of the homeland.
In his message on Defence and Martyrs Day, the Prime Minister said the nation would always remember the sacrifices made to safeguard Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and independence.
He said that despite the enemy’s undeclared aggression and numerical superiority during the 1965 war, Pakistan’s Armed Forces demonstrated exceptional professionalism and operational preparedness, inflicting a decisive defeat on the adversary.
Shehbaz Sharif said the Armed Forces and the Pakistani nation had demonstrated remarkable courage, unity, resilience and steadfastness during the 1965 war, creating an enduring legacy in the country’s history.
Referring to the recent Marka-e-Haq, the Prime Minister said Pakistan’s Armed Forces, under the professional leadership of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, had delivered a response to the country’s “age-old adversary” that would be remembered for generations.
He said the nation was proud of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy, adding that the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos had added another glorious chapter to the country’s military history.
The Prime Minister said the spirit and fervour associated with September 6 remained as strong as ever, while stressing that the challenges confronting Pakistan required greater national unity and solidarity.
He said Pakistan faced threats from hostile forces seeking to destabilise the country through hybrid warfare, adding that such designs would be resolutely defeated.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s foremost challenges also included eliminating ignorance, poverty and backwardness and transforming the country in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
He said Pakistan’s strength lay not only in its defence capabilities but also in building a united, peaceful, stable and economically strong nation.
The Prime Minister said the government would continue taking measures to strengthen national security, sovereignty and defence while simultaneously pursuing economic development, political stability and public welfare.
He said Pakistan would continue playing an active and constructive role in promoting regional and global peace and stability and had emerged as a “net security stabilizer” by contributing to collective security beyond its borders.
Referring to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, the Prime Minister said it reflected Pakistan’s growing role in regional security as well as its commitment to collective defence, mutual security and enduring partnerships with brotherly countries.
He reiterated that Pakistan would continue to fulfil its responsibilities as a dependable partner for peace and security, while preferring cooperation and dialogue to address regional challenges.
The Prime Minister also called upon the international community to recognise that lasting peace in South Asia could not be achieved without resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He said India’s continued intransigence on the Kashmir dispute remained a major impediment to lasting peace, development and prosperity in the region.
On Defence Day, Shehbaz Sharif urged the nation to renew its commitment to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline and work collectively towards building a strong, prosperous and developed Pakistan.
He said a strong defence provided the foundation for sustainable peace and development, adding that the Armed Forces remained guarantors of national security and enjoyed the nation’s full support.
The Prime Minister prayed for peace, stability and prosperity for Pakistan and for the elevation of the ranks of the country’s martyrs.
