LONDON: Pakistan's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr Mohammad Faisal has said that Defence and Martyrs' Day calls upon all Pakistanis to renew the spirit of loyalty and service to their beloved motherland.
His comments came after he paid tribute to Pakistan's Armed Forces and martyrs while addressing a packed hall of distinguished guests at an event to mark Pakistan's Defence and Martyrs' Day at a hotel in central London.
Among the large number of guests who attended the event were parliamentarians, diplomats and defence attachés from 51 countries.
Paying emotional tribute to the martyrs and brave sons of the land, Faisal said their sacrifices were a source of strength for the nation to be more resilient in the face of challenges.
He stressed the important role played by the armed forces in strengthening Pakistan's defence and security and said, “The world also recognises the professionalism of our forces in maintaining peace in various countries during their deployment on UN peacekeeping missions.”
The highlight of the event was the opportunity provided to the families of the martyrs who symbolized the spirit of sacrifice and the value of a cohesive, unified and tolerant Pakistan.
They were invited as special guests of honor to the event.
The families of the martyrs fondly preserved the memories associated with them, the nobility, courage and spirit of their brave hearts.
Brigadier General (retd) Saeed Ismat narrated an eyewitness account of the 6 September 1965 war. He shared the spirit of the people of Pakistan in the 1965 war.
Widow of Lt Col Sheraz Shaheed (Khyber Agency 2011) and brother of Capt Isfandyar Bokhari Shaheed (Badabher 2015) acknowledged the immense support extended by Pakistan Army to the families of the martyrs.
Ahmad Nawaz, former president of the Oxford Students’ Union and survivor of the Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar, narrated the support extended by the armed forces and the entire nation that helped him achieve great academic success.
The event was also attended by former world boxing champion Amir Khan, who spoke proudly about his Honorary Captain rank awarded by the Pakistan Army and his vision to promote sports and philanthropy in Pakistan.
Defence and Naval Adviser Commodore Muhammad Zeeshan Nabi spoke about the sacrifices made by the armed forces in all theatres of war since 1947.
He assured the audience of Pakistan's impregnable defence and the vigilance exercised by every officer and soldier of Pakistan's armed forces to ensure our territorial sovereignty.
Commodore Zeeshan also highlighted the importance of leadership and followership as strengths of Pakistan’s armed forces.
Adviser to the Army and Air Force, Colonel Taimur Rahat, addressed the event and gave brief accounts of valor of 1965 war, APS Peshawar attack, Badabher attack and sanitation operations carried out in the tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He highlighted the challenges of fourth and fifth generation warfare and reiterated the awareness, capability, adaptability and readiness of Pakistan Armed Forces to meet these challenges in any domain and any spectrum of warfare.
Colonel Taimur Rahat also spoke about the value of unity, faith and discipline in meeting the diversity of challenges we face. He referred to the practice of nobility, piety and fidelity by our officers and soldiers as force multipliers in their endeavours.
In addition, mementos were presented to the families of the martyrs on behalf of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir.
Diplomats from various countries also paid tribute to the dedication and professionalism of Pakistani armed forces, acknowledged the sacrifices made by the country in the face of various challenges and cordially interacted with the families of the martyrs.
