Defence Day observed at the Pakistan High Commission London
The Pakistan High Commission, London organized a Defence Day reception at the High Commission on 21 September 2017. Traditionally, the Defence Day is commemorated on 6 September, but this year it was delayed to ensure that the guests are back from summer vacation. The reception was attended by a large number of Defence Attaché community, representatives of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Pakistani community, media representatives and think tanks notables.
On this occasion rich tributes were paid to the armed forces and the people of Pakistan who rendered great sacrifices in Pakistan’s fight against external aggression and the ongoing struggle against the menace of terrorism and violent extremism.
In his remarks on the occasion, H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, highlighted the significance of the day and paid rich tributes to the defence forces of Pakistan for safeguarding the sovereignty of the motherland. The High Commissioner said:
“This Day commemorates when, more than a half century ago, the armed forces and the people of Pakistan joined hands to repel the aggression and valiantly defended their country. Pakistan’s Armed Forces have played very significant role in the national development as well as in responding to natural calamities.
“Our Armed Forces have yet again established their mettle by defeating the forces of darkness and terrorists who were not only threatening us but are a threat to the entire civilized world. I am glad to share that the successful military operations under the National Action Plan, called Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Raddul Fassad are showing successful results. A small proof of this success story is that today in Pakistan, a friendly cricket match between the UK Media and MPs Team and Pakistan XI was played in Miran Shah, the headquarter of the North Waziristan Agency, which until couple of years ago, was under the clutches of militants and terrorists.”
The High Commissioner also appreciated the growing Pakistan, UK military cooperation.
Speaking on the occasion, Commodore Raja Rabnawaz, Defence & Naval Adviser said:
“On 6 September 1965, people of Pakistan demonstrated an unprecedented national unity and stood firmly behind their valiant Armed Forces to thwart a serious aggression by the enemy. Our soldiers, sailors and airmen courageously defended their motherland. Today we also make a resolve to defend the country against all threats.
“The people and the Armed Forces of Pakistan have yet again demonstrated the same spirit of national unity in fighting against terrorism and violent extremism. No other country in the world has lost as many soldiers and civilians in its fight against terrorism. Such successes would not have been possible without resolute and determined support from the people of Pakistan.”
Colonel Nadeem Iqbal Khan, Army & Air Adviser moderated the event. A short video documentary on Pakistan military’s successful fight against terrorism and extremism was also shown to the guest on the occasion.
