ISLAMABAD: September 6 is the day of reckoning in the history of Pakistan as it reminds every one of the courage, unity and steadfastness that defined the Pakistani nation in the face of Armed aggression in 1965 by a much bigger enemy, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi said in a message on the eve of Defense Day. “It was a day when the entire Pakistani nation and its Armed Forces stood together to foil the nefarious designs of the enemy with unmatched grit, fortitude and determination,” he said. “Pakistani nation celebrates this day to pay homage and acknowledge the valour and supreme sacrifices of our martyrs who etched numerous accounts of bravery and gallantry in our proud history. The daring Operation Somnath conducted by the Pakistan Navy Fleet which saw the Indian Radar Station at Dwarka, on the Gujrat Coast, neutralised, was the glorious reminiscence of the 11th Century raids of Mahmud of Ghazni on the idolised Somnath Temple, located on the same coast. The much larger Indian navy fleet, including its aircraft carrier, was bottled up in harbours due to fear of PN Submarine Ghazi. These are the heroic deeds of our valiant predecessors, which make us stand tall and proud,” the message reads. “Pakistan today faces a host of security challenges on external and internal fronts. Certain elements are surreptitiously at play to disturb peace and harmony in our country. Our Armed Forces are at the forefront of national resolve to defend its territorial integrity and combat these inimical forces. They are undertaking round the clock operations to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and have rendered immense sacrifices, achieving astounding results,” it continues. “Pakistan Navy on its part is playing an important role in the overall deterrence and national security. With the development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), referred to as Corridor of Prosperity and the Gwadar Port as its ‘hub and pivot’, maritime security all along our coast, particularly off Gwadar, has assumed special significance. The Pakistan Navy is vigilant and fully ready against any conventional or asymmetric threat to Pakistani ports and maritime infrastructure given the national importance of CPEC project,” it adds. “Pakistan Navy is also contributing as a key player in the regional collaborative maritime security. Furthermore, in view of the evolving regional dynamics and to pursue national interests with strategic autonomy, PN has recently instituted Regional Maritime Security Patrols in the Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) with the aim to maintain a robust security posture in critical sea areas and choke points of the IOR. The PN has also reinvigorated its efforts to revive the maritime sector and promote blue economy to contribute substantially towards the national economy,” it adds. “We need to remind ourselves that as a nation, we have been tested on numerous occasions whether on account of aggression from across the border or by extremist elements. Yet, we have always emerged more resolute by adhering to the spirit of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s golden principles of faith, unity and discipline. In the same spirit, this day demands from us that we renew our pledge to work selflessly and sacrifice whatever it takes, for a brighter and better tomorrow of our future generations. By anchoring faith in Allah, keeping unity in our ranks and striving relentlessly in the defense of our motherland, let us commit to partake in transforming Pakistan into a strong, secure and prosperous country,” it concludes. Published in Daily Times, September 6th 2018.