The Embassy of Pakistan in Paris hosted a reception on September 7 to commemorate Defence and Martyrs Day, paying tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the country’s Armed Forces.
The reception was attended by Senator Allizard, members of the diplomatic corps, officers of the Armed Forces and friends of Pakistan.
In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch paid rich tribute to the martyrs and veterans, acknowledging their services and sacrifices for the country.
She said Pakistan’s Armed Forces were guarantors of national security and that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its defenders.
The ambassador recalled Pakistan’s defence against Indian aggression in 1965 and in May last year, saying the Armed Forces responded with resolve, precision and professionalism.
She also highlighted Pakistan’s contributions to regional and global peace and stability, particularly through its participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Ambassador Baloch said Pakistan’s national defence over the past two decades had extended beyond the conventional battlefield to the fight against terrorism. She said the Armed Forces, law enforcement personnel and citizens had made immense sacrifices in this battle.
She said Pakistan believed in building partnerships and strengthening international cooperation to advance shared objectives of global peace, security and development.
The ambassador said Pakistan was committed to dialogue, cooperation and respect for international law, adding that the country was playing a mediatory role to help ease tensions and prevent further conflict in the region.
She stressed that Pakistan did not seek conflict and desired peaceful and mutually respectful relations with all its neighbours. However, she made it clear that Pakistan would never compromise on its national defence.
For lasting peace in South Asia, Ambassador Baloch said the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
