{
  "id": 5901035,
  "title": "PM, president highlight Pakistan's growing role in regional security as nation observes Defence Day",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/pm-president-highlight-pakistans-growing-role-in-regional-security-as-5901035",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-06T03:54:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2027870/pm-president-highlight-pakistans-growing-role-in-regional-security-as-nation-observes-defence-day"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Zardari emphasized Pakistan's increasing role in regional security on Sunday, as the country observed its 61st Defence and Martyrs' Day. The day commenced with a thirty-one gun salute in Islamabad and a twenty-one gun salute at provincial capitals, followed by a change of guards at the Quaid's mausoleum in Karachi. Defense Day is commemorated annually on September 6, in remembrance of the 1965 war, which erupted after India launched an attack across the international border. The war concluded with a ceasefire on September 22, and a peace agreement was negotiated under Soviet mediation in Tashkent on January 10, 1966. Pakistan gained 1,617 square miles of territory during the conflict, compared to 446 square miles occupied by India.\n\nDuring his Defense Day message, Prime Minister Shehbaz paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the armed forces and their families, on behalf of the entire nation. He highlighted the unparalleled resolve, unity, and sacrifices made by the armed forces and the nation to safeguard Pakistan's security, sovereignty, and independence. Despite facing the enemy's undeclared aggression and numerical superiority on September 6, 1965, Pakistan's armed forces inflicted a humiliating and resounding defeat upon India across all fronts.\n\nThe prime minister also commended the armed forces' response to India during the recent four-day military conflict, Marka-i-Haq, under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Forces, Chief of Army Staff, Air Chief Marshal, and Naval Chief. He expressed pride in the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy, and emphasized that the spirit and fervor of September 6 remain strong. He warned that the country's traditional adversaries continue to pursue nefarious designs against Pakistan, but face successive and decisive defeats due to the resilience of Pakistan's armed forces. The prime minister further stated that Pakistan's true strength lies not only in its defense capabilities but also in a united, peaceful, stable, and economically strong nation. He pledged to continue taking measures to strengthen Pakistan's security, sovereignty, and defense, while advancing economic development, political stability, and public welfare.",
  "summary": "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s growing role in regional security on Sunday as the nation observed on 61st Defence and Martyrs’ Day. The day began with thirty-one gun salute in Islamabad and twenty-one gun salute at provincial capitals, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. A change of guards was also held at the Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi.…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Pakistan will remain significant security concern for times to come: Former CDS Gen Anil Chauhan (retd)",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/pakistan-will-remain-significant-security-concern-for-times-to-come",
        "published": "2026-09-05T22:59:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn",
        "title": "PM, president highlight Pakistan's growing role in regional security as nation observes Defence Day",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/pm-president-highlight-pakistans-growing-role-in-regional-security-as",
        "published": "2026-09-06T03:54:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "Hesson clarifies he had no role in selecting Pakistan’s Test squad",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/hesson-clarifies-he-had-no-role-in-selecting-pakistans-test-squad",
        "published": "2026-09-06T05:22:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}