RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Sunday said the Armed Forces of Pakistan in September, 1965 had defeated the enemy many times greater in might than it and were always ready to defeat nefarious intentions of the enemy.
He was addressing the investiture ceremony as chief guest and conferred military awards to Army personnel for acts of gallantry during various operations, here at General Headquarters (GHQ), said Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release.
The families of Shuhada (martyrs) and Ghazis, senior serving Military Officers and Soldiers also attended the ceremony. As many as 40 officers were awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), 24 officers and soldiers were awarded Tamgha-e-Bisalat and a soldier was awarded United Nations (UN) Medal. The medals of Shuhada were received by their
family members.
He said, “On this occasion, I want to send a message to my nation and the world that Pakistan is a peace-loving country. But if war is imposed on us, we will befittingly respond to every aggression.”
He added that they had demonstrated this in response to the failed air strike at Balakot and the enemy should have no doubt. COAS said September 6, 1965 was an indelible chapter in our history. “This is the day when countless stories of unity of the nation, love of homeland, sacrifice and bravery were marked in history.”
It was not just a day for the nation but evidence to our courage and also commemorated the martyrs of 1948, 1965, 1971, the Kargil War and the war on terror, he added. General Qamar Javed Bajwa said even today they were defending their freedom with our blood. “That is why we are here today to remember the great deeds of our martyrs and conquerors and to pay tribute to their sacrifices. It is due to their courage, bravery and sacrifices that our freedom, sovereignty, peace and security are established.”
He also paid tribute and homage to the families of the martyrs and said: “I salute them. I assure them that we will never forget the sacrifice of their loved ones. Our martyrs are our heroes and the nations that forget their heroes are annihilated. I salute your spirit of
self-sacrifice and assure you that we are and will be with you on every step of the way.”
The COAS said the entire nation was indebted to your patience and sacrifice. “Just as the martyrs are the pride of the whole nation, so are you our pride.” He congratulated the officers, junior commissioned officers and soldiers who received the awards at the ceremony. “We are all proud of you for the professionalism you have shown in the performance of your duty, upholding the high tradition of the Pakistan Army. The medals on your chest are a source of pride not only for you but for all of us.”
Courtesy: APP
