Message of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, on Defence and Martyrs’ Day – 6 September 2025

Islamabad,6th September(Ali Imran Chattha)

Pakistan’s Defence and Martyrs’ Day, is a glorious chapter in our history. On this day, we, as a proud nation, pay rich tribute to our valiant Armed Forces and resilient people, who have always defended our frontiers with unwavering faith and unparalleled courage. The spirit of sacrifice shown in 1965 has become an eternal beacon, guiding our future generations through every trial and challenge.

This year, 6th September carries special significance due to the recent “Battle of Truth.” Just as in 1965 our brave forces displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty, in May 2025, during Operation Bunyan al-Marsous against India, our sons of the soil once again demonstrated remarkable bravery and selflessness. Their professionalism, combat skills, and preparedness on land, in the air, and at sea proved that Pakistan’s defence is impregnable, rooted in the eternal spirit of its people and the unshakable resolve of its Armed Forces.

As Supreme Commander, I reaffirm my commitment to continuously upgrade and modernize Pakistan’s defence capabilities. In this era, where hybrid and fifth-generation warfare deploy misinformation, propaganda, and psychological operations as weapons, it is imperative that we not only strengthen our military power but also reinforce our information and communication systems. The pillars of the state and the people, especially our youth, must remain vigilant, united, and resilient to confront these modern threats with wisdom and steadfastness.

The longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the root cause of instability in the region. Its just resolution, in line with the UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, is the only path to peace. Furthermore, the heartbreaking tragedy in Palestine compels us to demand an end to the genocide and oppression against the Palestinian people. The world must adopt a firm stance for the establishment of an independent State of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, as this is the only way to ensure lasting peace in the Middle East.

Let us, on this Defence and Martyrs’ Day, renew our pledge to remain steadfast, resilient, and united so that the sacrifices of our martyrs are honoured, our defence remains unassailable, and we pass on to our future generations a strong, prosperous, and peaceful Pakistan. The families of martyrs are our pride, and the sacrifices of our war veterans are our sacred trust. The spirit of September will always shine in the fearlessness of our Armed Forces and the resilience of our nation. No challenge can divert us from the path of dignity and sovereignty.