On the occasion of Defence and Martyrs’ Day of Pakistan, Ambassador Sajid Bilal hosted a reception to pay rich tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives while fearlessly and bravely fighting against the enemy, who was much bigger in numerical strength. The ceremony started with the Recitation of the Holy Quran followed by playing of National Anthems of Pakistan and Egypt.
In his remarks, Ambassador Sajid Bilal stated that the Defence and Martyrs’ Day stands out in the history of Pakistan as a symbol of enduring display of unity, indomitable courage and unmatched sacrifices by Pakistan’s gallant soldiers.
On this day 58 years ago, Pakistani valiant soldiers displayed unprecedented bravery and professionalism; together with the whole nation at their back, Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force defeated the enemy on all fronts, the Ambassador highlighted.
Ambassador Sajid Bilal noted that the world has also witnessed the resolve of armed forces of Pakistan in a protracted fight against terrorism. Pakistan has faced the brunt of global and regional terrorism which was not only confronted by our armed forces but by the nation as a whole, the Ambassador added. He also lauded the active contributions of the troops during floods, earthquakes and other natural calamities.
The Ambassador stated that Pakistan continues to support efforts aimed at achieving regional peace and co-operation. Noting that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised dispute, which needs to be resolved in accordance with UNSC resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people, the Ambassador called on the international community to fulfill the promises made to the Kashmiri people for the realisation of their inalienable right to self-determination.
Ambassador Sajid Bilal said that Pak-Egypt bilateral relations are built on a strong foundation based on shared bonds of common faith, cultural affinities and aspirations. While both the countries are celebrating 75th Anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, their military to military cooperation is on a rising trajectory, observed the Ambassador. The Ambassador especially highlighted the participation of a large contingent of Pakistan armed forces in “Bright Star” exercise being hosted by Egypt as a symbol of close bilateral defence co-operation.
Defence Attaché Col. Shahid Javaid said that the nation celebrates Defence and Martyrs Day to commemorate the courage and heroic resolve displayed by our gallant armed forces in Indo-Pak War of 1965 and to recognise the sacrifices rendered in fight against terrorism. He highlighted operations Zarb-e-Azb and Rad-ul-Fassad in busting the terrorist networks from the motherland. He also mentioned active role being played by Pakistan Army as part of United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in different peacekeeping operations around the globe.
The ceremony was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, Defence Attaches of different countries, members of academia, media, civil society and Pakistani community in Egypt.
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