Pakistan Defence Day Commemorated in Jeddah
Pakistan desires peace but will never tolerate aggression, says Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani
International community urged to play role in resolving Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions
JEDDAH (Amir Muhammad Khan):
The Consulate General of Pakistan in Jeddah, in collaboration with the Pakistani community, organized a commemorative ceremony to mark the 61st Defence Day of Pakistan. A large number of members of the Pakistani community, dignitaries and Consulate officials attended the ceremony.
The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, followed by the national anthems of Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Participants paid rich tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the September 6, 1965 war and acknowledged the sacrifices, courage and national spirit of Pakistan’s armed forces.
Addressing the gathering, Consul General of Pakistan in Jeddah **Syed Mustafa Rabbani** said Defence Day reminds the nation of the bravery and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and the spirit of national unity. He said Pakistan has always played a constructive role in promoting peace and stability at the regional and international levels.
Speaking about the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Consul General expressed serious concern over the deteriorating situation in the region since August 5, 2019. He said the Kashmiri people were continuing their struggle for the right to self-determination, which is guaranteed under several resolutions of the UN Security Council.
Syed Mustafa Rabbani urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to fulfill its moral, legal and diplomatic responsibilities and ensure implementation of the relevant UN resolutions for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
He said Pakistan remains committed to peace, harmony and stability at both regional and global levels. Pakistan’s contribution to UN peacekeeping missions around the world, he added, reflects the country’s responsible role in promoting international peace and security.
Highlighting Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, Syed Mustafa Rabbani said the two countries enjoy unique, historic and brotherly ties rooted in religious, cultural and commercial bonds as well as shared values. He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share common political, strategic and socioeconomic objectives aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
He particularly highlighted the strong defence cooperation and close interaction between the armed forces of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, describing the relationship as exemplary. He expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its enduring friendship and unwavering support for Pakistan.
Head of Chancery at the Consulate General, **Ghulam Hussain**, said that 61 years ago, on September 6, 1965, India launched an unprovoked and undeclared war against Pakistan. He said Pakistan’s armed forces demonstrated extraordinary courage and perseverance against a much larger adversary and successfully foiled its designs on all fronts.
He said September 6 is observed as Defence and Martyrs’ Day to commemorate the historic display of courage, sacrifice and national unity. He added that Pakistan’s armed forces have continued to write a remarkable history of sacrifice in defence of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ghulam Hussain also referred to the developments of February 2019 and the Indian military action in May 2025, saying Pakistan had demonstrated its preparedness and national resolve on both occasions. He said Pakistan responded to the May 2025 aggression through **Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos**, once again conveying its commitment to peace while making clear that aggression against Pakistan would not be tolerated.
He emphasized that Pakistan desires peace but will never tolerate aggression.
During the ceremony, messages from the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari ,Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were also read out. The Prime Minister’s message was read by **Zainab Asad**, while the Deputy Prime Minister’s message was read by **Akif Iqbal**.
The ceremony was conducted by **Azka Zafar Rana**. The participants paid tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs and veterans and reaffirmed their commitment to national unity, sovereignty and the security and stability of Pakistan.
The ceremony concluded with special prayers for the progress, prosperity, security and stability of Pakistan and for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs.
