Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Ehsan Ul Haq has said that armed forces are a part of the nation and any attempt or effort to create a rift between the people and the armed forces shall be thwarted.
In his message on Defence Day of Pakistan, General Ehsan said September 6 carries a historical significance not only for the armed forces of Pakistan but for the whole nation.
"As we commemorate the day and pay tribute to our 'Shuhada' and `Ghazis', it is imperative for us to maintain the spirit of national unity, to blunt the evil designs of our adversaries. The war of September 1965 reminds us how a nation small in size but full of resolve, stood against enemy's aggression and triumphed.
Undaunted by the numerical strength and large stockpiles of arms of the aggressor, it stood un-wavered and emerged victorious. "Pakistan has come a long way since 1965 and now our defence is impregnable. Pakistan is a nuclear and missile power. Over the years concerted endeavours have been made for self-reliance in the field of defence and we have made giant strides in this field. "Our Armed Forces, whenever called to defend national integrity and solidarity, have always displayed courage, valour and professionalism and will continue to support the nation come what may.