ICCI celebrates Defence Day

Islamabad:Minister for Privatisation and Communication Abdul Aleem Khan has said that the entire nation stands united alongside the country’s armed forces to thwart “evil designs” against Pakistan’s prosperity and integrity adding that September 6 symbolizes the immense courage, bravery and professionalism of our armed forces.

Addressing a ceremony held at S.M. Muneer Auditorium here at the Chamber House, ICCI on Friday in connection with the Defence Day he said that this day calls upon us to make a pledge to renew the spirit of loyalty and service to Pakistan and pay tributes to valiant sons of the soil who embraced martyrdom while ensuring security of the nation.

He went on to say that we continue to honour and respect the sons of soil, who never hesitate in giving their lives for the defence of motherland, its development and prosperity.He said that at a time when the country is confronted with multiple security challenges, in the form of extremism, terrorism and external aggression, we as individuals and collectively have to renew our pledge to move forward with unity, solidarity and determination.

The Minister said that today’s Pakistan is stronger than ever, a leaden wall for the enemy and will emerge stronger in the days to come and that adversary can never dare to have a jaundice eye on it.

Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, president ICCI said that September 6 stands as an important milestone in our national history as our armed forces made great sacrifices to defend their motherland. He said that the nation will always feel proud of the way Pakistan’s armed forces fought in that war and foiled the evil designs of the enemy. He added that a strong economy is very important to make the defence of Pakistan stronger, we have to make our country prosper and developed through our collected efforts. He went on to say that the business community stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces of Pakistan and will continue to do so for the cause of the country. He impressed upon the parents to make their children acquaintance of the sacrifices of the armed forces so that they cannot fall prey to the hybrid war.

Bakhtawari also expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador of Azerbaijan for attending the ceremony by saying that both Azerbaijan and Pakistan enjoy exemplary and long lasting friendship.

Secretary General United Business Group Zafar Bakhtawari by paying tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the 1965 war said that September 6 is an important day in the national and military history of Pakistan. He said that the courage and bravery shown by the sons of Pakistan in the war of 1965 is a source of pride for the entire nation. He said that Pakistan has faced many crisis situations in the past and came out of them successfully. He hoped that Pakistan would soon come out of the current economic challenges also and will continue its journey to its ultimate destination of progress and prosperity because it has been created to remain intact.

He also whole heartedly praised the Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan for his love to the armed forces of Pakistan and for his services in the fields of politics and social work.

Ambassador of Azerbaijan Khazar Farhadov said that his country is well aware of the importance of the armed forces in the defence of any country adding that shuhadas and Ghazis deserve utmost respect because of their sacrifices for our today. He went on to say that in his country the flags of Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkiya always fly together which is a clear manifestation of close relationship with Pakistan.

On this occasion shields were also presented to renowned business leaders Chaudhry Abhdul Rauf and Mohammad Ishaq Sial in recognition of their services for the community.

Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi, Atif Jamil Butt, Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, Malik Mohsin khalid, Imtiaz Abbasi, Rizwan Chheena, Maqsood Tabish and Zulqurnain Abbasi were prominent among the attendees.