Musharraf, Aziz pay tribute to ghazis on Defence Day

President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz paid tribute to the martyrs and ghazis of September 6, 1965, and said that Defence Day reminded the nation of the courage of the people, as well as the armed forces of Pakistan.

Islamabad, Sep 6 : President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz paid tribute to the martyrs and ghazis of September 6, 1965, and said that Defence Day reminded the nation of the courage of the people, as well as the armed forces of Pakistan.

In their separate messages on the eve of Defence Day, the President and Prime Minister said that the sacrifices by the soldiers served as a beacon of light and a source of strength for the nation and leaders alike.

Musharraf said that the nation had come a long way in progress and strength.

"Today, by the grace of God, we have a strong and robust economy, and our defence - based on strong conventional forces and nuclear and missile capabilities - remains impregnable against external threat," he said.

"Currently, we are truly at the crossroads of destiny, where on one hand we are poised to take off towards greater socio-economic progress. On other hand, the nation is faced with the internal threats of extremism and militancy," Musharraf added.

He said these internal threats needed to be defeated and eradicated for the nation to prosper, the daily Times reported.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said, "Pakistan is faced with a host of challenges and opportunities. The nation needs to stand united to overcome the forces of extremism."

He said that Pakistan was once again at a critical juncture in its history and needed the people to show spirit, commitment and dedication not unlike 1965.

ANI