ISLAMABAD: Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, NI(M) on Tuesday said that the Defence Day of Pakistan reminds us of the supreme sacrifices of our intrepid heroes who responded to the enemy’s aggression with exemplary courage and professionalism.
In a message on the Defence Day, he said, “In a remarkable show of unity, both the people and the armed forces of Pakistan stood firm and inflicted a crushing defeat on the enemy, many times larger in size. On this historic day, the nation salutes and pays homage to all those who laid down their lives for motherland. Certainly, they added a new chapter to history through glorious deeds of heroism and set a supreme example of sacrifice for posterity to emulate.”
In the statement, the air chief said the unprecedented challenges facing the country called for reviving the same spirit of nationhood. “I am confident that together we will rise to the occasion and take the country forward. Drawing inspiration from Defence Day, let us solemnly pledge that we will leave no stone unturned for the progress and development of our country.”
He said that at the same time, “we also reiterate our commitment to safeguard our hard-earned independence and integrity”.
“My dear countrymen! Pakistan is a peace-loving nation and believes in maintaining peaceful and cordial relations with its neighbours as well as the international community at large. Since creation, Pakistan has been making sincere endeavours to global peace. Our sustained efforts and countless sacrifices in the war against terrorism for restoration of global peace are matchless and as such must be globally recognised. Despite our strong desire for peaceful co-existence, we cannot remain oblivious to our defence. We have been challenged many a time through aggression from across the border but overpowered the threats to our very survival on the strength of unflagging national unity.”
He said that the Pakistan Air Force, in complete synergy with sister services, had always rendered unparalleled sacrifices to protect the country’s aerial frontiers since independence.
Published in Daily Times, September 6th 2017.
