Today, on the 6th of September, we gather to remember and commemorate a

pivotal moment in the history of Pakistan. This day holds immense significance as it
marks the Defense Day of Pakistan, a day when our nation's valor, resilience, and
unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty were put to the test.

On 6 September, according to its "pre-declared strategy" [8] of riposte,[10][b] the Indian

Army crossed the international border in Punjab intending to cut off the Grand Trunk
Road near Lahore. The attack came as a surprise to the Pakistani commanders. [8]
[12]
According to Air Marshal Nur Khan, the Army Chief General Musa
Khan told President Muhammad Ayub Khan on the second day of the war that the
Army had run out of ammunition.
Pakistan instituted the Defence of Pakistan Day to commemorate the day when the
Indian forces crossed into Pakistan.
On this day in 1965, Pakistan Air Force Pilot MM Alam made history by shooting
down five Indian planes in less than a minute. Commonly known as M M Alam,
the “1965 War Hero”, the war hero still holds a record for the heroic act. He
received the Sitar-e-Jurat twice for his outstanding flying abilities and valor in air
warfare

The spirit of our brave soldiers, who stood like an unyielding fortress against the
enemy, is best encapsulated in the words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,
who once said, "There is no power on Earth that can undo Pakistan." These words
resonate even more profoundly on this day as our armed forces, inspired by the
vision of our founding father, displayed unparalleled valor.

The Battle of Chawinda, one of the most significant engagements during the 1965
war, saw our soldiers confronting insurmountable odds with indomitable courage. As
Allama Iqbal eloquently put it, "Khudi ko kar buland itna, ke har taqdeer se pehle,
Khuda bande se khud pooche, bata teri raza kya hai" (Elevate yourself to such
heights that even before destiny intervenes, God Himself asks, 'What is it that you
desire?'). Our soldiers embodied this very spirit, displaying unwavering resolve to
protect our homeland.

On this day, we remember the sacrifices made by our brave sons and daughters who
laid down their lives for the defense of our beloved Pakistan. Their sacrifices are a
testament to the fact that freedom comes at a cost, and we must never take it for
granted.

In the words of John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what
you can do for your country." Today, let us take a moment to reflect on what we can
do to contribute to the prosperity and security of our nation.
As we commemorate the Defense Day of Pakistan, let us draw inspiration from the
heroes of the past and renew our commitment to safeguarding the future of our
great nation. In the words of our national poet, Allama Iqbal, "Khudi ko kar buland
itna, ke har taqdeer se pehle, Khuda bande se khud pooche, bata teri raza kya hai."

Let us stand united, just as we did on this day in 1965, and continue to work tirelessly
for the progress, peace, and prosperity of Pakistan.

Thank you, and may Pakistan forever stand strong and resilient