Islamabad: Senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader and Chairman Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement, Altaf Ahmed Bhat, has paid rich tribute to the martyrs, veterans, and brave armed forces of Pakistan on the occasion of Defence Day, saying that September 6 stands as a shining symbol of courage, sacrifice, faith, and national unity.
In his Defence Day message, Altaf Ahmed Bhat said that the people of Pakistan have always stood firm whenever the motherland faced aggression or threat. He said the historic sacrifices rendered by the martyrs and Veterans of 1965 continue to inspire generations and remind the nation that freedom, sovereignty, and dignity are protected through courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment.
He said Defence Day is not merely a date in history, but a solemn reminder of the spirit that united the entire nation behind its armed forces. 'The martyrs of 1965 wrote a golden chapter of bravery with their blood. Their sacrifice was not for one generation alone, but for the honour, security, and future of Pakistan,' he said.
Altaf Ahmed Bhat stated that Pakistan's armed forces have always defended the country's frontiers with exceptional professionalism, courage, and devotion. He said the people of Pakistan take immense pride in their soldiers, officers, martyrs, and their families, whose patience and sacrifices remain the real strength of the nation.
He further said that the bond between the people and the armed forces of Pakistan has always been rooted in faith, patriotism, and collective resolve. Whenever Pakistan has been tested, he added, its armed forces have responded with strength and dignity, while the nation has stood united behind them.
Referring to the recent Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, Altaf Ahmed Bhat said, 'The remarkable success of the recent Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos has once again revived the spirit of faith, unwavering resolve, and extraordinary courage demonstrated in 1965. Under the leadership of General Syed Asim Munir, our brave soldiers displayed the same courage, commitment, and professional excellence that became the hallmark of Pakistan's defence in 1965. This successful operation has once again demonstrated Pakistan's defence capabilities, national resolve, and the steadfastness of its armed forces before the world, elevating the nation's honour and pride.'
He said the success of Pakistan's armed forces sends a clear message that the country remains fully capable of defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security. He added that Pakistan has always desired peace, but peace must be based on justice, mutual respect, and the protection of legitimate rights.
Altaf Ahmed Bhat also paid heartfelt tribute to the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, saying that Kashmiris have been facing oppression, injustice, military siege, and grave human rights violations for decades. He said the sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs are part of a long and painful struggle for freedom, dignity, and the right to self-determination.
He said it is the firm faith and belief of the Kashmiri people that Allah Almighty will one day bless them with freedom from occupation. 'In this continuous struggle for freedom, our Kashmiri brothers and sisters, after Allah Almighty, place their trust and hope in the people of Pakistan and the armed forces of Pakistan. They believe Pakistan will continue to stand by them and help them seek deliverance from oppression, injustice, and this long-pending dispute,' he said.
Altaf Ahmed Bhat appealed to the international human rights organizations, the United Nations, and the civilized world to take practical notice of the sufferings of the Kashmiri people. He urged the international community to move beyond statements and play its due role in resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations resolutions through a free, fair, and impartial plebiscite or referendum, so that the people of Jammu and Kashmir may finally decide their political future with dignity and freedom.