A photo exhibition displayed on the occasion reflected the bravery of Pakistan armed forces and the Pak-Saudi relations got center of attraction. A reception dinner mainly of Pakistani cuisine was also given to the guests.
Waqar Naseem Wamiq
RIYADH — The golden jubilee of Defense Day of Pakistan was celebrated with great national fervor at the Chancery Hall of Pakistan Embassy recently. Maj. Gen. Zafir Bin Mushabbib Al Shahri of Ministry of Defense graced the occasion as guest of honor.
Pakistani Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq and Defense Attaché Brig. Tahir Gulzar Malik welcomed the honorable guests along with senior embassy officials. A short and graceful ceremony was ably conducted by Head of Chancery Sardar Mohammed Khattak.
In his opening remarks Khattak said, “Pakistan is a peace loving country and wants peace in the region and beyond. Today we are remembering those martyrs of our gallant armed forces who laid down their lives for the protection of Pakistan during a 17-day war that started on Sept. 6, 1965.”
“Pakistan is committed in its fight against terrorism and operation Zarb e Azb against terrorism is highly successful,” Khattak said.
This was followed by the national anthems of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and the ceremony ended with a cake cutting led by the Ambassador and the chief guest together with Defense, Air & Naval Attachés.
Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq has said that our nation is well aware of the significance of the Defense Day. “Pakistan’s Defense day is a symbol of our national unity and pride,” Haq said. “These are historic golden jubilee moments of the Defense Day and today we pledge and commit once again to defend our motherland. Pakistan is the ambassador of peace in the region and in the entire world,” Haq said.
Defense Attaché Brig. Tahir Gulzar Malik said that the brave soldiers of our soil are always ready to defend the frontiers of the motherland and their sacrifices against terrorism are unforgettable.
Air & Naval Attaché Group Capt. Ibrahim Asad said, “Our armed forces remains alert and ready to protect their homeland with their gallantry and bravery.”
Officers of the armed forces of Pakistan, international diplomatic community and defense attachés of the several countries attended the golden jubilee event.
