A noble command from Imam Hussein (A.S): ''Loyalty to one's homeland is a hallmark of faith.''
My heart beats for the lush fields of Punjab, and I am equally enamored with the majestic mountains of Balochistan. The verdant landscapes of Sindh captivate me, and the rivers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa echo deep within my soul. The snow-kissed valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan are breathtakingly beautiful, and the paradise of Kashmir is truly unparalleled.
The existence of Pakistan is a miracle of Almighty Allah. If we turn the pages of history, from the Pakistan Movement to the establishment and survival of Pakistan, everything appears to be a miraculous process.
After the establishment of Pakistan on August 14, 1947, the newly formed state faced numerous administrative and financial challenges. On one hand, it had to deal with the plight of its citizens who were displaced and struggling, and work towards improving their condition. On the other hand, India initiated a continuous conspiracy and external diplomatic politics to include Kashmir in India. Indian leaders wanted the British to leave India, but they could not accept that Muslims, who had ruled India for over a thousand years, could gain independence. Pakistan's existence was unacceptable to them from day one, and their desire for an undivided India prompted them to hatch various conspiracies.
On the dawn of September 6, 1965, the enemy, driven by its vile ambitions, launched a sneak attack, embodying its cowardly essence. Yet, it remained oblivious to the fact that it was not merely clashing with a nation's people, but with a unified "nation" itself. Although the enemy appeared three times stronger than Pakistan, but its intoxication with power blinded it to the reality: Muslims have always waged wars with unwavering courage and unshakeable resolve, as testified by the historic Ghazwa_E_Badar.
In the September War, Pakistanis lacked military weapons equal to their enemy's apparent strength, but they were equipped with the weapons of patriotism and unwavering resolve. Every individual, wherever they were, fought for their homeland on their respective fronts. Every heart yearned to sacrifice for their nation, and every hand defended every inch of their sacred land. Whether a doctor, civilian, journalist, writer, poet, or musician, each stood firm on their front. On the morning of September 6, it was not just the Pakistan Army on the international border, but every Pakistani citizen, according to their courage and skill, actively defending their motherland. A wave of determination swept the nation, imparting unwavering resolve. A wind blew, revealing the purpose of life. An ideology united all, and a filthy challenge ignited the spirit of patriotism. A firm resolve was forged to respond to the enemy's arrogance and declare:
"Which nation have you challenged? We are ready to defend our homeland!"
In the 1965 war, from a military perspective, Pakistan set several records of bravery and valor, which were also acknowledged by the international military analysts. Pakistan Air Force's Air Marshal Nur Khan, Air Commodore MM Alam, Flight Lieutenant Cecil Chaudhry, Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui Shaheed, Squadron Leader Muhammad Iqbal Shaheed, and several other brave personnel of the Pakistan Air Force, with their courage, bravery, and excellent operational strategy, subdued the enemy. Air Commodore MM Alam set an unbeatable global aerial record by downing five enemy warplanes in one minute. September 7 is celebrated as Air Force Day in memory of the martyrs and ghazis of the Pakistan Air Force.
The Pakistan Army also thwarted the enemy's nefarious plans to infiltrate Lahore gymkhana Club. Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, stood like an impenetrable wall against the enemy and, while defending the motherland, embraced martyrdom. The Chawinda front witnessed the world's largest tank battle, where our valiant soldiers strapped bombs to their bodies, transforming the area into a graveyard for Indian troops and tanks. The 14th Baloch Regiment displayed the remarkable bravery, earning the prestigious title of Chawinda Battalion.
The Pakistan Navy played a crucial role in making the country's defense unbeatable. It patrolled the coastal areas, including Karachi, preventing the enemy from advancing. The Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi launched a bold attack on the Indian fort of Dwarka, shattering the enemy's defenses.
The September War saw the people of Pakistan transcend individualism, embracing a collective spirit of patriotism. The country's defense became a beacon of sacrifice and selflessness, etched in history at the Sialkot front, the Lahore BRB Canal, and beyond. Mothers, driven by love, sent food to soldiers on the front lines, their own hunger forgotten. Meanwhile, the sons of nation, fueled by courage, offered their lives on the battlefield, elevating their mothers pride. Through their ultimate sacrifice, the nation's sons fortified the motherland's defense, making it unshakeable.
Defence Day is, in fact, a day of reaffirming our commitment. The safety and security of our beloved homeland, Pakistan is our topmost priority, and we are well-versed in safeguarding it with the vigor and bravery of living nations.