By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Sunday marked its 61st Defence and Martyrs’ Day, with the country’s political leadership and armed forces paying tribute to soldiers who died defending the country and reaffirming their readiness to respond to any aggression.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the nation saluted the “immortal courage” of its martyrs, the bravery of military veterans and the resilience of their families, describing their sacrifices as the foundation of Pakistan’s freedom, sovereignty and security.

In a message posted on X, Sharif said the spirit demonstrated during the 1965 India-Pakistan war remained undiminished, pointing to what he described as the successes of the country’s armed forces in recent conflicts, including Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.

“The entire nation stands with immense pride behind the brave sons and daughters of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy,” Sharif said.

Pakistan’s military leadership also issued a message marking the anniversary. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Naval Staff; Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff; and General Syed Aamer Raza, Commander National Strategic Command, paid tribute to the country’s fallen soldiers and expressed gratitude to military veterans and the families of those killed in service.

The military said Sept. 6 remained a symbol of national unity, courage and resolve, recalling how Pakistanis came together during the 1965 war.

“The Shuhada of Pakistan embody the highest ideals of honour, duty and sacrifice,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said.

The armed forces said generations of Pakistani soldiers, sailors and airmen had sacrificed their lives across battlefields, skies and seas while defending the country. They also praised the families of fallen personnel for what they described as their fortitude and resilience.

The military leadership reaffirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces remained prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.

- Pakistan says peace must not be mistaken for weakness

Both the prime minister and military leadership emphasized that Pakistan sought peace and stability in the region but warned that its pursuit of peaceful coexistence should not be interpreted as an inability or unwillingness to defend itself.

“Pakistan desires peace, but our commitment to peace must never be mistaken for weakness,” Sharif said, adding that the country possessed both the will and capability to defend its territory and counter terrorism and aggression.

The military similarly said any aggression against Pakistan would receive what it described as a “swift and decisive response.”

The statements come against the backdrop of continuing security challenges facing Pakistan, including militant violence along its western border and heightened tensions with India following recent military confrontations.

Pakistan has increasingly highlighted the role of its armed forces in counterterrorism operations as well as conventional defence, while maintaining that it wants peaceful relations and stability in the region.

Sharif called on Pakistanis to honor the country's martyrs by building a united, peaceful and economically strong country guided by the principles associated with the country's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah — faith, unity and discipline.

The armed forces also renewed their pledge to serve Pakistan and its people, saying the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and the service of military veterans would remain a source of national strength and pride.

Defence and Martyrs’ Day is observed annually on Sept. 6 to commemorate Pakistan’s defence during the 1965 war with India. The day has become one of the country's major military commemorations, featuring ceremonies honoring fallen personnel and veterans and messages from political and military leaders.