Pakistan marks 60th Defence Day with ceremonies honouring martyrs and soldiers of the 1965 war.
60th Defence Day Celebrated in Pakistan
On Saturday, September 6, 2025, Pakistan’s civil and military leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, paid tributes to soldiers and martyrs in Islamabad, commemorating the 60th Day to honour the 1965 war heroes who defended the nation against Indian aggression.
The 60th Defence Day celebrated in Pakistan underscores national unity and resilience, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sovereignty and solidarity with regional causes like Kashmir, while highlighting the armed forces’ role in fostering stability in South Asia.
Ceremonies Marking Defence Day Pakistan
The 60th Defence Day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, followed by special prayers in mosques for national prosperity and the liberation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. A change-of-guard ceremony at Quaid-i-Azam’s mausoleum in Karachi, performed by the Pakistan Air Force, marked the occasion. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated, “September 6, 1965, epitomises the unflinching resolve and unshakeable spirit of the Pakistani nation,” highlighting the armed forces’ stand against a numerically superior enemy.
Tributes to Martyrs and Soldiers
Military leaders, including Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, offered heartfelt respect to martyrs and their families. President Zardari described the day as a “glorious chapter” in Pakistan’s history, emphasising the sacrifices of soldiers and citizens. Prime Minister Sharif called September 6 a “symbol of courage, unity, and resilience,” praising the armed forces’ professionalism during the recent Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in May 2025.
Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos Highlighted
The recent Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, conducted against India, was a focal point of this year’s commemorations. PM Sharif lauded the Army, Navy, and Air Force for their “unmatched professionalism and combat skills” under Field Marshal Munir’s leadership. President Zardari noted, “Just as our courageous forces demonstrated extraordinary valour in 1965, our sons once again proved their unmatched bravery during this year’s operation.” The operation’s success reinforced Pakistan’s military readiness and national pride.
Solidarity with Kashmir and Palestine
Both leaders reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri and Palestinian causes. Sharif condemned ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestine, urging global action to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian aid to Gaza. Zardari called Kashmir the “root cause of regional instability,” advocating for a solution per UN Security Council resolutions. These statements reflect Pakistan’s broader regional stance, connecting Defence Day to ongoing geopolitical issues.
Background
Defence Day Pakistan, observed annually on September 6, commemorates the 1965 war when Pakistan repelled Indian forces attempting to cross the border near Lahore. The day also coincided with Eid Milad-un-Nabi in 2025, adding spiritual significance. The armed forces pledged support for flood-affected communities, with ISPR stating, according to ISPR on X, that the celebrations would be held with “utmost humility” due to recent floods.
What’s Next
As the 60th Defence Day celebrated in Pakistan reinforces national unity, the nation looks to strengthen its defence capabilities and regional solidarity, ensuring the sacrifices of its martyrs continue to inspire future generations.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 7th, 2025
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