National Defense Day Commemoration Held at Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing

September 12,2017

Defence Day of Pakistan was commemorated with fervor and solemnity at the Embassy of Pakistan, Beijing on 12th September, 2017. Defence Day is dedicated to pay homage not only to the martyrs of the 1965 war, but to all those souls who rendered ultimate sacrifice for the defence of our homeland.
 
To mark the occasion, a reception was held at the Pakistan House. Lieutenant General Peng Bo, Deputy Commander of PLA Army was the chief guest. Major General Zhang Jin, Assistant Chief of Staff for PLA Air Force, Major General Xu Haihua, Assistant Chief of Staff for PLA Navy, and Major General Ci Guowei, Vice Chief of Office of International Military Cooperation (OIMC) of the Central Military Commission were also in attendance. Other guests included Ambassadors and members of diplomatic corps, Defence and Military Attaches, Chinese government officials and members of the media. Pakistani diaspora in China also participated in the event.
 
The event started with the National Anthems of Pakistan and China. Lieutenant General Peng Bo and Ambassador Masood Khalid along with Defence Attache Brig. Ahmed Bilal cut a cake.
 
Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Masood Khalid said that Defence Day is commemorated as a tribute to our valiant Armed forces and to their inherent patriotism, discipline and commitment. He said that Pakistan seeks a peaceful and prosperous neighborhood which is the key principle of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy. He however lamented that despite sincere efforts by Pakistan, India has refused dialogue with Pakistan to resolve outstanding issues. Instead of addressing the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, India has unleashed a reign of terror in Indian occupied Kashmir. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s political, moral and diplomatic support to the just cause of the Kashmiri people.
 
The Ambassador also highlighted the sacrifices of Armed forces of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to root out terrorism. He thanked the Chinese Government and PLA for their friendship and support.
 
The large attendance at the occasion was a testimony to the strong ties between Pakistan and China and the militaries of the two countries.