Pakistan Embassy Marks Defence and Martyrs’ Day
Pakistan Embassy in Washington, D.C., hosted a solemn ceremony to observe Pakistan’s Defence and Martyrs’ Day, honoring the sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The ceremony gathered a distinguished array of foreign diplomats, military and service attachés, U.S. government officials, and members of the Pakistani American community.
Addressing the gathering, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, emphasized the nation's unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He recalled the unity and courage shown by the people of Pakistan during the 1965 war.
"In 1965, our resolve as a nation that had emerged on the world map through a miraculous struggle of seven years was tested for the first time in a full spectrum war and we defended not only our freedom and our frontiers, but stamped the courage and resolve of our nation and nationhood.”
The Ambassador described Defence Day as a poignant reminder of timeless sacrifices made in service to the nation, paying tribute to Pakistan’s Armed Forces and their professionalism, courage, and dedication. He also highlighted Pakistan’s active contributions to international peace and security through diplomacy.
"The world over the 16 months has seen the best of Pakistan's defence... [and] through our diplomacy, we have proven ourselves as a stabilizing factor for the region and the whole wide world."
Turning to Pakistan-U.S. relations, the Ambassador noted the longstanding and consequential nature of the partnership. He highlighted economic cooperation as an increasingly important pillar, while acknowledging the U.S.'s role in strengthening Pakistan’s security capabilities.
Bilateral cooperation, he said, has evolved across diverse areas, including economic engagement, counterterrorism, security cooperation, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and joint military training.
"Each time our two nations have come together... from the days of the Cold War and the Afghan wars to the fight against terrorism—our cooperation has been consequential not just in the bilateral but the global context."
The Ambassador also recognized the Pakistani American diaspora as a vital bridge between the two countries, encouraging them to play an active role in Pakistan’s economic development.