Ambassador Siddiqui pays tribute to Pakistan armed forces on Defense & Martyrs’ Day

TEHRAN, Sep 7 (APP): Ambassador of Pakistan to Iran Imran Ahmed Siddiqui has paid rich tribute to Pakistan’s Armed Forces for their sacrifices in the service of the nation.

Addressing a ceremony to mark Defense and Martyrs’ day of Pakistan held on Sunday night at Pakistan House, Tehran, the ambassador underscored that Pakistan firmly believed that diplomacy, dialogue and confidence-building remained the best means of resolving differences, according to a press release received here on Monday.

He, however, emphasized that Pakistan was fully prepared to deal with any challenge to its sovereignty and would continue to uphold and safeguard its rights and national interests including those relating to the vital Indus water resources, through all legitimate means.

Ambassador Siddiqui highlighted that national security extended beyond the traditional security paradigm and encompassed economic resilience, social development, technological capacity, and the ability of the state to ensure energy, food, water and health security.

He observed that the finest tribute to those who had laid down their lives in defense of Pakistan was to build a country that was not merely secure and prosperous, but also confident enough to choose peace and dialogue over confrontation and conflict.

Ambassador Siddiqui thanked, Brig Gen Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister and DG International Relations at Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics to grace the occasion as a Chief guest.

He also added that his presence would further solidify Pak-Iran bilateral relations. “We have turned a new leaf in our relationship since the beginning of this year. The political and military leaders of both countries have played a sincere role in solidifying and expanding this vitally important relationship”, he added.

Earlier, Brig. Nasir Aziz Khattak, Defense and Army Attache, Embassy of Pakistan highlighted the significance of the Defense and Martyrs’day underlining selfless sacrifices by our brave soldiers countering various aggressive military campaigns against the country.

He stated that 6th September marks a pivotal moment in our history when the nation stood united to defeat the aggressive advancement of a numerically superior adversary. He further added that on this day we must also remember the plight of people in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir who have endured decade of injustice and brutality.

Brig Gen Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister and DG International Relations at Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics as the chief guest congratulated Pakistan on its defense day.

He added that in recent years effective and serious steps have been taken to establish security on both sides of the common border of Iran and Pakistan through the close relations and cooperation between the two armed forces of our countries and the determination of both countries to establish complete security on both sides of the common border and transform it into a border of friendship and prosperity.

On the sidelines of the event, an exhibition showcasing Pakistan’s military history was also organized. The exhibition also featured portraits of brave soldiers who had been posthumously awarded Pakistan’s highest military gallantry award, the Nishan-e-Haider, along with models of Pakistan Air Force aircraft and displays of other military equipment and weapons.

The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, senior civil and military officials, members of the diplomatic community, and representatives of the Pakistani diaspora. A cake-cutting ceremony was held to mark the occasion. The guests were also served traditional Pakistani cuisine.