PARIS, SEPT 25 (DNA) – The 53^rd Defence Day of Pakistan was observed with traditional zeal and passion in a simple but dignified ceremony held at the Embassy  of Pakistan in Paris today to pay tribute to the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan and all those who laid down their lives while defending the country.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of officials from French government, parliamentarians, Ambassadors and Defence Attaches of friendly countries, representatives of media and think tanks.

The Ambassador of Pakistan Mr. Moin ul Haque during his address highlighted the significance of the day and countless sacrifices of the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan for protecting the motherland.

Ambassador said that Pakistan foreign and defence policies are based on the principles espoused by Quaid-d-Azam, “peace with all and enmity with none”. As a responsible nation and a member of United Nations, we desire peaceful and friendly relations with all our neighbors and believe in dialogue and constructive engagement for regional and global peace.

Senator Pascal Allizard and Mr. Jean-Bernard Sempastous, Presidents of Pak-France Friendship Groups in the French Senate and National Assembly respectively were the Guests of Honour who laid the ceremonial floral wreath and cut the cake on the occasion along with the Ambassador Moin ul Haque and Defence & Air Attaché, Air Commodore Syed Muhammad Azmat Ali.