Islamabad, September 6, 2026: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans of Pakistan’s Armed Forces on Defence and Martyrs Day, reaffirming the country’s resolve to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.
In his message on Defence and Martyrs Day, Dar paid homage to the members of the Armed Forces who defended Pakistan with courage and sacrifice during the September 6, 1965 war, describing their bravery, steadfastness and devotion to duty as an enduring source of pride and inspiration for the nation.
He also honoured Pakistan’s Shuhada and Ghazis and acknowledged the sacrifices made by their families in the service of the country.
The deputy prime minister said the same spirit of courage and professionalism was demonstrated during Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, when Pakistan’s Armed Forces, with the support of the nation, defended the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He said these events had reaffirmed Pakistan’s national resolve and preparedness to respond decisively to any aggression.
Dar also acknowledged the continuing sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate what he described as the Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Hindustan and Fitna-al-Khawarij and to defeat all attempts to undermine the country’s peace, stability and development.
The foreign minister stressed that Pakistan, as a peace-loving nation, remained committed to peaceful coexistence, dialogue and cooperation.
At the same time, he said lasting peace and stability in South Asia required a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued moral, political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people and their right to self-determination.
On the occasion, he said Pakistan would continue to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests with unwavering resolve.
“The courage of our martyrs, the strength of our armed forces and the determination of our people remain our greater assurance that Pakistan will meet every challenge with confidence, dignity and resolve,” he said.
The deputy prime minister concluded his message by paying tribute to the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs and veterans and reaffirming the country’s resolve to protect Pakistan.
“Pakistan Zindabad,” he said.
