By Sardar Abdul Khaliq Wasi
September 6 is not merely a date on Pakistan’s calendar; it is a covenant written in sacrifice, faith, and unyielding courage. Defence Day is not about revisiting the past as a distant memory, but about reminding ourselves and our future generations that the survival of a nation rests on vigilance, unity, and resolve. In 1965, when India attempted to strike Pakistan under the cover of night, convinced that it would break the nation’s spirit within hours, it encountered something entirely unexpected—the collective will of a people forged by faith and the idea of Pakistan. Lahore became the frontline, but it also became the symbol of defiance. Soldiers stood firm, ordinary citizens rallied behind them, and the names of heroes like Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed and Air Commodore M.M. Alam entered history as emblems of bravery. The war of September 1965 made clear to the world that Pakistan would defend its sovereignty at any cost.
The sixty years since that defining moment have brought triumphs and tribulations alike. We emerged victorious in many battles, yet the tragedy of 1971 exposed how dangerous internal discord and political mistrust can become. In the decades that followed, terrorism, foreign interference, economic pressures, and domestic instability tested the resilience of the state again and again. Each time, Pakistan endured and recovered, reminding both friends and foes that the foundation of this country is not weakness but resilience. The essence of Defence Day lies in this journey: a reminder that the defence of Pakistan is as much about confronting internal weaknesses as it is about standing strong against external threats.
India’s posture has consistently remained hostile. From open wars to repeated ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, from diplomatic aggression to the brutal repression of the Kashmiri people, it has sought to challenge Pakistan’s resolve. Recent years have witnessed overt threats by Indian leaders aimed at intimidating Pakistan. Yet, the answer has always come swiftly and decisively. Pakistan’s armed forces have responded with professionalism and courage, sending an unmistakable message that the defence of this nation is beyond compromise.
This legacy of courage continues today under the leadership of Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir. His military vision, grounded in moral clarity and the guidance of Qur’anic principles, has inspired confidence across the country. From the success of counterterrorism operations to strengthening Pakistan’s eastern defences, his leadership has underscored that the army is not merely a shield at the border but a force prepared to meet challenges in every domain. The people of Pakistan look upon their armed forces not just as defenders of territory, but as protectors of national dignity and stability.
History also teaches us that Pakistan has been strongest whenever civil and military leadership stood aligned. Encouragingly, the present era reflects such a spirit of unity. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has placed national cohesion at the centre of his policies, while the military has shown equal determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with political leadership in pursuit of shared goals. The guidance of Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the pragmatic vision of the prime minister, the balanced diplomacy of Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, and the steadfast military leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir have together brought political, diplomatic, and defence strategies into harmony. This alignment has strengthened Pakistan’s position internationally, amplifying its voice on global platforms and enhancing its credibility in both regional and global affairs.
It is also crucial to understand that defence in the twenty-first century is not confined to tanks, aircraft, and infantry. New threats have emerged—cyber warfare, disinformation campaigns, hybrid tactics, and the weaponization of economies. Enemies today attack not only through military force but also through narratives, media, and economic manipulation. Defence Day therefore reminds us that Pakistan’s security must extend to scientific and technological advancement. Our youth must be equipped with skills in research, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and modern sciences if Pakistan is to remain truly invincible. With nearly 65 percent of the population under the age of thirty, the real strength of this country lies in its youth. They are the future soldiers, scientists, engineers, diplomats, and leaders who will carry forward the spirit of September 6. In a world dominated by digital platforms, they are also Pakistan’s ambassadors to the global community, with the power to counter false narratives and project the truth.
A critical pillar of national security is economic strength. No defence can remain sustainable without a stable and sovereign economy. In 1965, the people of Pakistan, despite limited resources, stood firm against aggression and triumphed. Today, however, the challenge is not only military but also financial. To secure true independence, Pakistan must reduce reliance on external loans and free itself from the chains of dependency. A resilient economy fuels defence production, supports national security, and guarantees stability. Defence Day, therefore, must also carry the message that economic self-reliance is as vital as military preparedness.
The observance of this day also carries an inseparable connection to Kashmir. The 1965 war was, in essence, rooted in the unresolved issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Today, as the Kashmiri people continue to resist Indian occupation with remarkable courage, their struggle is an extension of the spirit that defined September 6. Pakistan’s defence will never be complete until the people of Kashmir are granted their right to self-determination. Every year on this day, Pakistan renews its pledge to stand with them, morally, politically, and diplomatically, until justice is served.
The lessons of history remain clear: our victories were achieved when we stood united, and our setbacks came when we were divided. Sectarianism, ethnic rivalries, and political chaos have weakened us in the past. The way forward demands the forging of a collective national narrative rooted in the Qur’an, the vision of Pakistan, and the guiding principles of Quaid-e-Azam. Defence Day is a call to revive that sense of unity, reminding every citizen that we are bound by one destiny.
As Pakistan marks sixty years since its first Defence Day, the world sees not just a nation that has survived against the odds, but one that stands tall with renewed confidence. It is a country that defends its sovereignty with courage, seeks peace without compromise, and aspires to play a constructive role in the global community. The message today is as clear as it was in 1965: Pakistan is united, resilient, and determined—an unyielding nation that draws strength from its past sacrifices and looks to the future with unshakable resolve.
