Excellency Mr. Vecdi
Gonul, Minister for National Defence
Admiral Bulent
Bostanoglu, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces Command,
Senior Officers of the Turkish Armed Forces
Distinguished Members of the Attache Corps
Honourable Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Asslam-o-Alaikum
and Good evening.
Let
me begin by reiterating our profound sympathies and condolences to the
brotherly people and government of Turkey over the loss of precious lives in
the terrorist attack in Ankara on 10 October.
We
pray for the martyrs, and wish the speediest recovery for the injured.
Like
always, Pakistan remains in strong solidarity with Turkey.
Allow
me also to extend a warm welcome to all our distinguished guests at this
reception -- marking the 50th Defence Day of Pakistan. You have
honoured us by gracing this occasion.
The
Defence Day is celebrated every year to pay tribute to the heroic effort of the
Pakistan armed forces in defending the motherland, after a massive aggression
was launched against us in the dark of the night.
On
6 September 1965, the State of Pakistan was faced with the most severe existential
challenge.
But,
with the grace of the Almighty, and the steely resolve of the defenders of
Pakistan, these aggressive designs were effectively thwarted.
In
a herculean effort that lasted 17 days, our soldiers, sailors and airmen fought
all odds including inferior numbers and insufficient equipment and emerged
successful.
This
outcome was possible due to the supreme courage, bravery and sacrifices of our
armed forces, backed solidly by the unstinting support of the nation.
Ever
since, the armed forces of Pakistan have been engaged in defending the country
against all threats to its national security – be they external or internal.
Their
professional preparedness remains at its peak, against all possible
contingencies.
At
present, the Pakistan armed forces are waging a decisive battle against the
forces of extremism and terrorism.
Impressive
results have been achieved through the operation Zarb-e-Azb, which will continue till the complete elimination of
this scourge.
Besides
providing security, the Pakistan armed forces help the nation cope with the disastrous
consequences of natural calamities as well.
Whether
it was the devastating earthquake of 2005 or biblical floods of 2010, their services
in saving lives and providing support for immediate relief, rehabilitation, and
reconstruction have been outstanding.
The
Pakistan armed forces have also made the nation proud through their
contribution to international peace and security.
Over
the past 55 years, Pakistan has participated in more than 40 UN peace-keeping
operations (PKOs) -- contributing over 150,000 well-trained and competent
peacekeepers, with 142 of its valiant troops making the ultimate sacrifice.
On
the bilateral plane, it is gratifying that defence collaboration between
Pakistan and Turkey continues to flourish.
Just
last week, as Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif was conferring with
the top military and political leadership in Ankara, the two air forces were
conducting a joint exercise in the skies of Pakistan.
Both
sides remain engaged in charting new avenues to further deepen this
cooperation, in the best interest of the two nations and of regional peace and
stability.
We
have no doubt that this abiding tradition of always standing by each other would
continue to be further fortified in the times to come.
I
thank you all for your participation, and wish you a pleasant evening.
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