Pakistan ambassador Shahzad Ahmad cuts a cake along with dignitaries from Qatari armed forces and other ambassadors.
By Umer Nangiana/Staff Reporter
The 50th anniversary of Pakistan’s Defence Day, that falls on September 6, was celebrated yesterday at a reception hosted by the embassy at the Diplomatic Club.
Tributes were paid to the martyrs of Pakistan’s armed forces who rendered supreme sacrifices in the defence of their motherland.
The reception was attended by a large number of ambassadors, defence attaches, diplomats, senior Qatari officials, members of Qatar and Pakistan armed forces besides members of Pakistani and Qatari communities.
Among those present was Sheikh Ali al-Thani, Qatar Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Ghanim bin Shaheen al-Ghanim, Emiri Navy Commander Major General Mohamed Nasser Mubarak al-Mohannadi and Assistant Minister of State for Defence Affairs Major General Abdulla Jama’an al-Hamad.
Pakistan ambassador Shahzad Ahmad, who was the chief guest, and Defence Attache Commodore Masud Akram, along with the Qatari dignitaries cut a cake to mark the occasion. National anthems of Qatar and Pakistan were also played.
“The governments of the two countries are keen to rapidly take the bilateral relationship to new heights of co-operation,” the ambassador said.
He highlighted the depth and expanse of the strong relationship existing between the two countries in various areas, particularly in the field of defence co-operation.
Ahmad said Pakistan is committed to peace and security in the world. “However, the changing geo-strategic environment poses serious challenges and places extra responsibilities on our shoulders. Therefore, essential preparedness to meet the challenges cannot be overlooked,” the envoy added.
Commodore Akram highlighted the importance of Defence Day in the history of Pakistan. “Pakistan strives for peace in the region and supports resolution of disputes through peaceful means,” said Akram, adding that Pakistan armed forces have been making significant contributions towards the UN Peace-Keeping operations, providing humanitarian assistance globally.
“Pakistan has no aggressive designs against any state as enshrined in our constitution and as guided by our founding fathers. Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence and Pakistan armed forces remain alert to safeguard the motherland from any aggression,” said the defence attache.
He said the relationship between the armed forces of Pakistan and Qatar is of special significance. “A large number of veterans of Pakistan armed forces are rendering services in Qatar armed forces while Qatar armed forces personnel and officers regularly avail training in Pakistan,” Akram told the audience.
The guests were also shown a short documentary on Pakistan armed forces. Many national songs of Pakistan were also played on the occasion.