Published on: September 8, 2025 2:38 AM
President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday paid tribute to the Pakistan Air Force for their display of valour and sacrifices during the 1965 war.
In a message on the observance of Pakistan Air Force Day, he said the day was not only about remembering the victories of the past but also about honouring the living spirit of service and devotion that defined the Pakistan Air Force.
“Today, as we mark Air Force Day, my heart goes out in deep respect to our martyrs and ghazis whose courage and sacrifices continue to inspire the nation,” President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying.
In 1965, he said their air warriors, against overwhelming odds, wrote a story of extraordinary bravery and determination.
“Their daring actions not only defended our skies but also lifted the morale of an entire nation. That spirit of sacrifice and excellence remains alive in every generation of the PAF,” he added.
The president expressed that he took immense pride in how the Air Force had evolved into a modern, capable, and highly professional institution.
Whether it was the 1965 war or the more recent Marka-e-Haq Bunyanum-Marsus, their air warriors had always risen to the challenge, giving the enemy a decisive response and filling the nation with pride, he added.
He further said that the world witnessed the remarkable skill and professionalism of PAF, and he firmly believed its modern capabilities were one of the strongest guarantees of Pakistan’s security.
‘On this occasion, I salute the families of our martyrs, who bear the greatest sacrifice of all. Their loved ones live on as eternal heroes in the nation’s heart. I also salute the ghazis whose resilience and dedication remain a living example of courage,” the president added.
Expressing his confidence, he said the Pakistan Air Force would continue to protect their skies and sovereignty with the same resolve and passion that had always defined it.
Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari said that the Pakistan Navy would continue to guard the country’s maritime frontiers and contribute to regional peace and stability with the same spirit of service, courage and excellence that had always defined it.
On the occasion of Navy Day being observed on Monday (September 8), the president conveyed his profound gratitude and admiration to the men and women of the Pakistan Navy who stood as the nation’s first line of defence at sea.
“This day is an opportunity to recall with pride the daring feats of our naval warriors and to recognise the vital role the Navy continues to play in safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime frontiers,” President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying.
The president paid homage to the martyrs whose sacrifices would never be forgotten and also saluted their ghazis whose steadfastness remained a source of national pride.
“Their courage strengthens the resolve of the entire nation,” he added.
President Zardari said the 1965 war reminded them how, with courage and resolve, the Pakistan Navy wrote a golden chapter in history by striking far into enemy waters and disrupting their sense of security.
Operation Somnath became a symbol of audacity and skill, inspiring generations of sailors to come, he added.
Since then, he said the Pakistan Navy has steadily evolved into a modern and multi-dimensional force.
“Today, its responsibilities go far beyond combat readiness—from protecting sea trade routes to participating in international peace missions and disaster relief. This versatility reflects the Navy’s professionalism and its unwavering dedication to the nation,” he added.
During Bunyan-ul-Marsoos, the president observed the Pakistan Navy not only remained vigilant in safeguarding Pakistan’s coastline but also demonstrated its prowess in restraining and countering any hostile or aggressive posturing by the enemy.
Moreover, President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the Anti-Dumping Duties Amendment Bill 2025. “Following his approval, the duties will be effective from July 1, 2020. The bill was sent to the President after it was adopted by the National Assembly and Senate,” President Secretariat Press Wing, on Sunday, said in a press release.
It further said that the bill was approved to provide legal clarity regarding the imposition of anti-dumping duties on projects funded by the Chinese grants.
The decision for this amendment was made during the progress review meeting of Gwadar projects in October 2022.
He also gave approval for the National Institute of Health (Reorganization) Amendment Bill 2025.
The National Assembly has passed the bill on August 12, 2025, along with five private members’ bills.
“Through this bill, the structure and governance of the National Institute of Health will be made more effective. The purpose of the amendment is to ensure the reorganization of the institution and enhance its performance,” President Secretariat Press Wing, on Sunday, said in a press release.
Approval of the bill marks a significant step toward reforms in the health sector and institutional improvement; it was further added.
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