The reception, attended by a large number of diplomats, defence attachés, representatives of the UK’s Defence Ministry, Pakistani community, media representatives and think tanks notables paid homage to country’s valiant forces for successfully defending their homeland.
Acting High Commissioner, Dr Israr Hussain, in his address on the occasion, highlighted the significance of the day and paid rich tributes to the armed forces for safeguarding the sovereignty of Pakistan against external aggression on September 6, 1965.
“It was nation’s finest hour. The people and the armed forces stood united, fought gallantly, and laid down their lives to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their motherland,” said Dr Hussain.
Dr Hussain also praised the recent initiatives taken by the army for Pakistan’s internal security like Operation Zarb-e-Azb and implementation of a country wide national anti-terror plan to uproot extremism.
“A comprehensive response at the global level is required to address the root causes of terrorism. The recent attacks in Europe have once again underlined the need for a concerted approach towards this challenge.” said the acting high commissioner.
On this occasion, Defence & Naval Adviser Commodore Raja Rab Nawaz and Army and Air Adviser Colonel Nadeem Iqbal Khan read out the messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan respectively.
Both the leaders expressed their resolve to maintain strong defence of the country in view of external and internal security challenges. They also paid rich tributes to the sacrifices of the armed forces of Pakistan in defending the motherland.
It was reiterated that Pakistan would continue its political, diplomatic and moral support for the rightful cause of the Kashmiri people for self-determination according to the UN resolutions.
