Defence Day of Pakistan was
commemorated with fervor and solemnity at the Embassy of Pakistan, Beijing on
12th September, 2017. Defence Day is dedicated to pay homage not only to the
martyrs of the 1965 war, but to all those souls who rendered ultimate sacrifice
for the defence of our homeland, say a press release received here today from
Beijing.
To mark the occasion, a reception was held at the
Pakistan House. Lieutenant General Peng Bo, Deputy Commander of PLA Army was
the chief guest. Major General Zhang Jin, Assistant Chief of Staff for PLA Air
Force, Major General Xu Haihua, Assistant Chief of Staff for PLA Navy, and
Major General Ci Guowei, Vice Chief of Office of International Military
Cooperation (OIMC) of the Central Military Commission were also in attendance.
Other guests included Ambassadors and members of diplomatic corps, Defence and
Military Attaches, Chinese government officials and members of the media.
Pakistani diaspora in China also participated in the event.
The event started with the National Anthems of Pakistan
and China. Lieutenant General Peng Bo and Ambassador Masood Khalid along with
Defence Attache Brig. Ahmed Bilal cut a cake.
Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Masood Khalid said that
Defence Day is commemorated as a tribute to our valiant Armed forces and to
their inherent patriotism, discipline and commitment. He said that Pakistan
seeks a peaceful and prosperous neighborhood which is the key principle of
Pakistan’s Foreign Policy. He however lamented that despite sincere efforts by
Pakistan, India has refused dialogue with Pakistan to resolve outstanding
issues. Instead of addressing the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, India has
unleashed a reign of terror in Indian occupied Kashmir. He reaffirmed
Pakistan’s political, moral and diplomatic support to the just cause of the
Kashmiri people.
The
Ambassador also highlighted the sacrifices of Armed forces of Pakistan in the
fight against terrorism and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to root out
terrorism. He thanked the Chinese Government and PLA for their friendship and
support.
The large attendance at the occasion was a testimony to
the strong ties between Pakistan and China and the militaries of the two
countries.
