Brussels/Islamabad, (Unib Rashid) — In a poignant and stirring commemoration of Pakistan’s Defence Day, Heal Pakistan, in collaboration with the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, organized a high-profile speech-cum-presentation event to honor the sacrifices, valor, and victories of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

The event, themed “Sacrifice, Valour and Victory: Our Armed Forces, Our Pride,” served as both a tribute to the fallen heroes (Shuhada) and a strategic discourse on the geopolitical imperatives of Pakistan’s national security. The symposium was attended by a large gathering of young scholars from various universities, emphasizing the importance of passing the legacy of patriotism and resilience to the next generation.

The proceedings were presided over by Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, Altaf Hussain Wani, who underscored the unbreakable bond between the people of Pakistan and their defenders, particularly in the context of the unresolved struggle for Kashmir.

The event featured a series of powerful addresses from distinguished intellectuals and legal experts. Dr. Zahid Harris, Executive Director of the International Centre for Conflict and Peace (ICCP), provided a deep dive into the strategic necessity of a strong military, analyzing Pakistan’s unique position as a nuclear-armed state navigating complex regional dynamics.

Adding a legal and civic perspective, Advocate Malik Asif Awan spoke on the constitutional and moral duty of the state to protect its borders and its citizens. The event also featured impassioned contributions from social activists Allah Nawaz and Habib ur Rehman, who highlighted the humanitarian role of the armed forces during national calamities and their unwavering resolve during the War on Terror.

The centerpiece of the event was a comprehensive presentation that traced the history of the Pakistan Armed Forces—from the “Baptism by Fire” in 1965 and the heroism of Major Raja Aziz Bhatti (Nishan-e-Haider), to the modern-day triumphs of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and the fictionalized strategic foresight of “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.”

In a stirring conclusion, the speakers collectively emphasized that while the military serves as the nation’s shield, the strength of that shield depends on national unity, economic stability, and the eradication of internal divisions. The audience of young scholars was urged to fight the “battles of peace”—poverty, illiteracy, and inflation—with the same zeal that soldiers fight on the borders.
The event concluded with a solemn salute to the martyrs and their families, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to the motto: Iman, Taqwa, Jihad fi Sabilillah.