The best way to keep alive and solidify the September '65 spirit is to devote our energies and efforts to strengthen Pakistan against all external and internal threats, said Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tanvir M Ahmed in a message on Defence Day.
THE MESSAGE READS: "The 6th of September is a landmark day in the annals of our national history. It was on this day that the entire nation rose to the challenge of an aggressor, quantitatively superior in men and material. The dauntless and courageous armed forces, in unison with the brave people of Pakistan, thwarted the nefarious designs of the enemy's brute forces and turned their aggression into a blatant defeat.
The 1965 War proved to be an epic from which PAF continues to draw strength, pride and inspiration. In spite of heavy odds, PAF achieved supremacy in the skies with an astonishing speed. Its dominance over the adversary could be largely attributed to the professional training, superior combat motivation, resolute commitment and, above all, an unshakeable faith in Almighty Allah's blessings and munificence.
On this historic day, we remember with profound gratitude and admiration, the heroic feats of our Shaheeds and Ghazis, who set unprecedented examples of patriotism and professional glory. We owe them an abiding debt of gratitude and pay them homage, by emulating their examples of professionalism and devotion to duty.
The best way to keep alive and solidify the September '65 spirit is to devote our energies and efforts to strengthen Pakistan against all external and internal threats. I would like to assure my countrymen and women that, despite resource constraints, PAF is strongly committed to defending our aerial frontiers. We are, indeed, making focused efforts, at all levels, to conserve our critical inventories and draw the best from the available resources.
We are also in the process of inducting new fighter aircraft and equipment to augment our capabilities. With the blessings of Allah Almighty and the prayers and good wishes of our people, we have both the will and courage to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. May Allah grant us the strength and vision to fulfil our obligations to the nation to the best of our abilities and in line with the aspirations of the people of Pakistan! Aameen."