Kayhan Int’l Cultural Desk
TEHRAN -- The embassy of Pakistan in Tehran has commemorated the country’s Defense Day "to pay homage to the indomitable courage of the armed forces who fought valiantly” in their 1965 war with India, the embassy said in a statement.
A reception was hosted by Ambassador of Pakistan to Iran Riffat Masood at her residence Wednesday, attended by ranking Iranian civil and military officials, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, defense and military attaches, media persons and members of Pakistani community.
Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Masood highlighted the significance of the day and paid tributes to the sacrifices of Pakistani armed forces, law enforcement personnel and citizens to preserve peace, security and stability of Pakistan.    
She touched on the participation of Prime Minister Imran Khan along with leaders of all the major political parties including the opposition in the Defense Day ceremony in Islamabad, saying it "sent a message to all Pakistanis and to the world at large that we stand together as a nation, both military and civilians, in our commitment and goal for a united, strong and progressive Pakistan.”   
Referring to the menace of extremism and terrorism, the ambassador said the anti-terrorism operation Radd ul Fassad launched by the armed forces has broken the back of terrorists and law and order situation in the country has improved.
The ambassador said Pakistan is committed to secure peace and security in the region and has contributed significantly in global campaigns against terrorism and peace-keeping missions all over the world. She mentioned that so far 136 Pakistani peacekeepers had laid down their lives in carrying out their peacekeeping mission in different countries.
Iran’s chief guest Brig. Genneral Ghadeer Nizami extended his felicitations and said Tehran and Islamabad are bonded in strong historical and cultural relations and their political and military ties are exceptional in the region.
Referring to the menace of terrorism, he said, both Iran and Pakistan are fighting terrorism and extremism and determined to secure peace in the region.   
Brig. Saqib Ali Cheema, defense and military attaché of Pakistan, also shed light on strong military ties between two brotherly countries of Pakistan and Iran.
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