DUSHANBE, SEPT 07 (DNA) – The Defence Day assumed special significance this year as it was celebrated in solidarity with Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the first time in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, after the opening of Defence Wing in Pakistan embassy last year.

Ambassador of Pakistan Imran Haider hosted a reception where Tajikistan’s Deputy Defence Minister Major-General Mahmadzoda Suhrob Talbak was the chief guest. Several high-ranking Tajik civil and military officials, parliamentarians, ambassadors, academicians, members of the diplomatic corps, defence & military attaches, media persons and members of Pakistani community attended the reception.

In his address, the ambassador highlighted the significance of the day and paid rich tributes to the sacrifices of the armed forces, law enforcement personnel and Pakistani citizens who sacrificed their lives to preserve peace, security and stability of Pakistan.

Ambassador Haider paid homage to the armed forces of the country, who fought valiantly in 1965 War.

“Nation is indebted to them and salutes their valor and bravery,” Haider said. While referring to the scourge of terrorism, he said, Pakistan was fighting terrorism and extremism and was determined to secure peace in the region.

He said that the armed forces of Pakistan have become a formidable force to safeguard Pakistan’s national interest and counter threats to the national security, adding that Pakistan has also contributed significantly in global campaigns against terrorism and peacekeeping efforts.=DNA

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