Kayhan Int’l Political Desk

TEHRAN -- The official ceremony to mark 55th Defense Day of Pakistan was held at Pakistan House, Tehran on Sunday. To ensure safety considerations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ceremony was kept simple.
"The event was commemorated to pay tribute to the martyrs who defended Pakistan in the war of 1965 through the forces of sheer professionalism, dedication and selflessness,” the embassy said in a statement.
Brig. Gen. Ghadir Nezami, head of international affairs and defense diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, defense and army attachés, diplomats, Pakistan community, and media representatives attended the event.
In his remarks, Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi recollected "the spirit of 6th September 1965 and the sacrifices rendered by our valiant Armed Forces in defending our motherland.”
He gave an overview of the progress made by the Armed Forces since Pakistan’s independence in 1947, "in developing into a formidable force to safeguard Pakistan’s national interests, and counter threats to the national security.”
Their contributions in the global antipiracy campaign and peacekeeping operation in addition to the relief work in the face of natural disasters were also highlighted.
He reiterated that the spirit of 6th September is a symbol of Pakistan’s desire to have peaceful coexistence.
In order to make this world a better place, the international community must play its role in peacefully resolving outstanding disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute with India, he added.
"As long as these disputes remain festering, the high probability of conflict remains there and the dream of peaceful future remain elusive,” he said.

On the Pakistan-Iran defense cooperation, he elaborated that both Iran and Pakistan not only share geographical borders but also a common heritage and values based upon religion, culture, traditions and ethnicity. Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan’s defense and army attaché Brigadier Imran Kashif Chaudhry highlighted the significance of the Defense Day.  He also expressed solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir who, he said, were fighting for their rights of self-determination.  He also underscored Pakistan’s bilateral defense ties with Iran stating that Iran is an important neighbor with matchless commonalities with Pakistan. He also emphasized that Iran-Pakistan military cooperation has a positive impact on peace and stability in the region.