In his special message to the nation on Defense Day, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that observance of Defence Day of Pakistan is the reiteration of the message to the enemy forces that the entire Pakistani nation along with its armed forces will spare no effort to protect the motherland. “We all collectively will face our problems following the Quaid’s principles of unity, faith and discipline. Let’s play our role with diligence and devotion for progress of the country,” the prime minister said in his message. He said the Defence Day was the best reflection of national unity and solidarity. “This year the Defence Day is quite unique because the Armed Forces of Pakistan, keeping in view of their magnificent traditions, have achieved standout achievements in the war against terrorism, which provided further stability and continuity to the motherland,” he added. He said that the topic of ‘Hame Pyar Hay Pakistan Say’ represented the spirit and ambition of the entire nation. The Defence Day of Pakistan, he said, was not limited to only 6th September, but its real spirit remains alive throughout the year. Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the whole world has witnessed the passion of Pakistani people and its armed forces and there is no other example of sacrifices in the world like the sacrifices Pakistani children, youth, women and elders have made in the war against terrorism during the last 17 years. “We present salute and devotion to our Shuhada and Ghazis who performed their duty in defending the motherland.” The prime minister, while appreciating the courage and professionalism of Armed Forces of Pakistan in eliminating militancy and terrorism, said no doubt their efforts for national development, strengthening of democracy and world peace are laudable. He said Pakistan believed in peaceful coexistence and wanted to promote mutual cooperation with all its neighbours and the entire world on equal basis. The prime minister stressed upon the world powers to play their role to stop Indian cruelty and aggression in the occupied Kashmir. The solution of Kashmir issue lies in United Nations’ plebiscite on Kashmir, said the PM. He paid tributes to all the martyrs, Ghazis, their families and relatives, and assured them that the government would leave no stone unturned in their welfare. The government, he added, would continue absolute struggle in the war against terrorism till its logical end. Published in Daily Times, September 6th 2018.