Defence Day observed with renewed national spirit in China

BEIJING, Sept 6 (APP):The Defense Day of Pakistan was observed with great enthusiasm and renewed national spirit to defend the motherland at the Pakistan Embassy here on Thursday.
Maj Gen Jiang Qianming, Deputy Chief of the Political Work Department of the People’s Liberation Army was the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khalid said that this day is dedicated to remembering and paying tribute to the armed forces of Pakistan as well as Pakistanis from all walks of life, and express our gratitude for our countrymen’s contributions and sacrifices in defence of the motherland.
“On this day 53 years ago, the unceasing vigilance and unflinching courage of our Armed Forces – with the support of the entire nation – enabled Pakistan to withstand an all-out assault. When Indian forces crossed the international borders of Pakistan without a Declaration of War on September 6, 1965, they received a befitting response and their multi-pronged offensive grounded to a halt short of all their objectives. The UN-brokered ceasefire
on September 23, 1965 brought an end to the fighting, but the echoes of this conflict resonate to this day”, he added.
While admiring the contributions Sepoy Maqbool Hussain of the Pakistan Army, who recently passed away, he said that his ordeal of over 40 years of torture and imprisonment and denial of rights as a prisoner of war is emblematic of the courage and fortitude of those who keep Pakistan safe from harm.
Masood Khalid said that all along, Pakistan wants to maintain peace and stability in our region and promote prosperity and development.
“Pakistan has endeavored to improve its relations with all its neighbours and resolve disputes peacefully. Unfortunately, our forthcoming approach has not been reciprocated.
Later, Defence Attache Brig Ahmed Bilal Malik said that Pakistan armed forces are fully prepared to give a matching response to any aggression.
He said the entire nation is ready to render sacrifices to defend the motherland.
Students of Pakistan Embassy College Beijing presented national songs. A cake cutting ceremony was also performed.
Senior diplomats, military officers, teachers, students and members of Pakistani community attended the ceremony.