After the creation of Pakistan, the country has a number of memorial days; which hold immense importance in their respective spheres. 6 September is one of them, which is valued significantly in the defensive circles of the country. Soon after independence, Pakistan realized the fact that rivalry with India, brings Pakistan to extremely challenging situation in terms of security. Right from its birth, the country was subjected to wars several times by the Indians. 18 years after the creation, in September 1965, Pakistan faced Indian aggression on the border of Lahore; a country that had double economy and military than Pakistan. It was 6th of September 1665, when the armed forces of the pure land successfully defended its territory against the mighty Indian Army. At that time Pakistan got very limited resources and equipment in terms of military, yet their armed forces showed great enthusiasm and energy in order to repel the Indian blatant intervention on the Punjab border. Every year, this day is celebrated as defense day across the country and both civil and military leadership hold ceremonies in this regard.
This year Pakistan celebrates its 57th defense day (Youm-i-Difa), in a situation when the country is hit by severe floods and weather calamities. Today, the security forces not only face traditional security challenges on both external and internal fronts, but they have to deal such devastating non-traditional threats; in shape of flood disaster as well. Like 1965, the security forces are also highly committed in 2022 to face these challenges. More importantly, like 1965, they enjoy support and confidence of the people of Pakistan which help them to further their discipline, professionalism and hard work in such emergency situation.
Few days ago, the Pakistan army has shown a great selflessness by postponing the annual defense day ceremony at General Headquarters Rawalpindi in order to show their solidarity with flood victims across the country. This day holds immense importance for the armed forces; however, they preferred greater cause. Moreover, they have continued to help the people affected from unprecedented floods. As an institution, the Pakistan army’s role is highly commendable as it helps the victims in providing shelter, rescue, food and health facilities.
Similarly, in Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and several other parts of the country, the armed forces lead the rescue and relief efforts in an effective way. They not only perform dewatering measures but provide food and health facilities to the affected population as well. They shift hundreds of families from the affected areas to the safe places and give them shelters, food and other basic items of necessity in the various areas of Baluchistan. Similarly, several standby teams are placed in different parts of the flood affected province, in order to tackle any emergency situation. More importantly, several military personals have lost their lives while serving common people in during floods.
Whether it was the September of 1965 or that of 2022, the Pakistan army has always preferred the territorial integrity, sovereignty and existence of the country. They always come forward in order to preserve the lives of common people, irrespective of traditional or non-traditional security threats. Previously it was the Indians aggression in 1965 which endangered the lives of innocent population and today it is the flood and climate change which push human life towards risk. On both occasions, the armed forces are ambitious to show their professionalism and patriotism in order to save the homeland.
By Barkat Ullah.
The Writer currently works as a Research Associate at the International Parliamentarians’ Congress Islamabad. He has a wide experience of writing for various newspapers and can be reached at barkatullahbarakaat@gmail.com.
