Islamabad: President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif speaking on the occasion of Defence Day 2026 spoke about Pakistan's role in working towards regional peace and building economic strength internally to face future challenges.
“Our true strength lies not only in our defence capabilities but also in a united, peaceful, stable and economically strong nation,” said the statement issued by the PM's office, which that the government would continue to take resolute measures to strengthen Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and defence, while simultaneously advancing economic development, political stability and public welfare.
"In line with the glorious tradition of valiance, our armed forces, under the excellent professional strategy of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, delivered a response to our age old adversary that will be remembered for generations," continued the statement.
It noted that the country’s “foremost challenge is to eradicate ignorance, poverty and backwardness and to transform Pakistan in accordance with the vision of Quaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal”.
The President also issued a statement where in his capacity as Commander in Chief of the armed forces he commended the military for its continued defence of Pakistan's sovereignty: “Victory in Marka i Haq represents a continuation of the spirit of patriotism and freedom embodied by September 6. Marka i Haq has added another glorious chapter to our national history. This extraordinary success is a testament to the professionalism, courage and bravery of our armed forces and reflects the exemplary longstanding bond between the armed forces and the people of Pakistan,” he said.
He also spoke about Pakistan’s role in regional security, and said that as a peaceful and responsible state, the country remained firmly committed to promoting peace, dialogue and mutual respect in the region and across the world.
“Pakistan has increasingly emerged as a net regional security provider, contributing to peace, stability and collective security beyond its frontiers. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is a manifestation of Pakistan’s commitment to regional security and its growing role as a responsible and dependable partner for regional peace and stability,” said the statement.
