By: Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri
Every year, 6th September is observed as Youm-e-Difa Pakistan (Defence Day) across Pakistan to honor the unparalleled courage of our Armed Forces and the unity of the nation during the 1965 Pakistan-India war. It is not merely a day of remembrance; it is a day of pride, sacrifice, and reaffirmation of our unbreakable resolve to defend our homeland at all costs. Today, we recall with pride and gratitude the historic victory of 1965 when Pakistan’s Armed Forces, along with the entire nation, stood shoulder to shoulder in the face of Indian aggression. That war was not only a military conflict but a glorious chapter of national unity and resilience. It proved to the world that Pakistan is defended by brave sons and daughters who consider sacrifice for the homeland the greatest honor of their lives.
In 1965, the people of Pakistan, hand in hand with the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy, displayed unmatched courage and determination. Our soldiers fought fearlessly on the borders, our Air Force pilots engraved history in the skies with their heroism, and our Navy safeguarded the seas with unwavering resolve. The entire nation stood behind its forces as a single, unbreakable unit – rich and poor, men and women, old and young – all became part of the defense of Pakistan. On this sacred day, we pay glowing tribute to our martyrs, who laid down their lives for the nation’s sovereignty, and salute the Ghazis whose courage continues to inspire generations.
1965 War – A Golden Chapter of National Unity
When India launched its unprovoked aggression in 1965, it had underestimated the spirit of Pakistan. It believed that by its numerical superiority in weapons and men, it could crush Pakistan. But history stands witness that the valor of our Armed Forces and the unity of the Pakistani people turned the tide of battle. Our soldiers fought fearlessly on land, our pilots carved their names in glory with unmatched aerial victories, and our Navy safeguarded the maritime frontiers with courage. The entire nation transformed into a fortress of steel. Civilians extended every possible support to the military; from blood donations to logistical assistance, from patriotic songs to prayers in mosques, temples, and churches – the whole of Pakistan became one voice, one spirit, and one unshakable force. The war of 1965 remains a testimony to the fact that no power can subjugate a nation that stands united with its defenders. On this historic day, we bow our heads in reverence to the martyrs who embraced shahadat for the homeland and salute the Ghazis whose bravery carved new heights of inspiration. Their sacrifices are the foundation stones of our sovereignty.
Tribute to the Armed Forces – Army, Air Force, and Navy
The Pakistan Army demonstrated on the battlefields of 1965 that determination and faith are greater than numbers. Stories of their gallantry echo through history – from the defense of Lahore to the battles fought on the borders of Sialkot, Kasur, and beyond.
The Pakistan Air Force, under the legendary heroes like MM Alam, stunned the world with its brilliance. In a single sortie, Squadron Leader MM Alam downed five enemy aircraft within minutes – a record that remains unmatched. The skies of 1965 became a witness to Pakistan’s aerial dominance.
The Pakistan Navy, though smaller in size, safeguarded our waters with extraordinary resolve and struck fear into the enemy, proving that courage and strategy outweigh numerical strength.
Together, our Army, Air Force, and Navy embodied the spirit of “Iman, Taqwa, Jihad fi Sabilillah” and wrote history with their blood and sacrifices.
Message to the Eternal Enemy and Its Proxies
While we celebrate the glories of 1965, we are also aware that our eternal enemy, India, and its proxies – the so-called Fitna-tul-Hindustan – continue their conspiracies against Pakistan. Living on Indian scraps, these agents attempt to spread unrest and disunity in our beloved homeland. But let it be written in bold letters: they are up against a nation guarded by the world’s number one Armed Forces. Pakistan will never bow down before aggression, whether it comes openly from across the border or in the form of terrorism and hybrid warfare. Just as in 1965, every attempt to weaken Pakistan will be crushed with iron hands. The proxies and terrorists backed by India will be eliminated from our soil forever, and no conspiracy will succeed against a nation united with its Armed Forces.
Recent Victory in “Marka-e-Haq”
The recent Indian misadventure once again revealed Pakistan’s unshakable spirit. In the decisive Marka-e-Haq (Battle of Truth), the Armed Forces of Pakistan, supported by the entire nation, gave a crushing reply to Indian aggression. The enemy’s arrogance was reduced to dust, and Pakistan’s victory became another golden chapter in its defense history. Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, along with the leadership of all three Armed Forces, deserves the highest tribute for their vision, courage, and commitment. The fearless soldiers who stood on the frontlines proved once again that Pakistan’s defenders are unmatched in bravery and sacrifice.
Nation and Armed Forces – An Unbreakable Bond
On this Defence Day, the people of Pakistan renew their pledge to stand with the Armed Forces like a wall of iron. The unity displayed in 1965 and in recent times is a clear message to the world: Pakistan is invincible when its people and defenders are one. The entire nation proudly declares that no sacrifice is too great for the safety and integrity of the beloved homeland. Our resolve remains firm: whether it is aggression from across the border, conspiracies within, or the menace of terrorism, Pakistan will defeat all challenges with courage, faith, and unity.
Defence Day is not just a memory of past glories – it is a living reminder of our eternal resolve. Together, as one nation under one flag, Pakistan shall forever remain unshakable, undefeatable, and sovereign.
Pakistan Zindabad.
