*ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on theoccasion of Defence and Martyrs Day have paid tribute to the brave soldiersand martyrs of the country, ARY News reported on Friday.*

While acknowledging the sacrifices of armed forces, Mr Alvi vowed to alwaysremember the families of martyrs in his prayers.

The nation is celebrating Defence and Martyrs Day Thursday (today) to payhomage to the martyrs and ghazis who stood as solid wall to defend themotherland against the aggression of enemy.

The president said on this very day, Pakistan Army and the nation jointlyfoiled nefarious designs of the enemy.

September Spirit has made our independence and sovereignty invincible. I amproud that in addition to being fully modernized, our Armed Forces areimbued with the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice and are capable ofdefeating any internal and external adventurism.

On this Defence and Martyrs Day, we reiterate solidarity with our Kashmiribrethren and renew our resolve that we will continue to support their rightto self-determination. We will continue raising their just struggle forfreedom at all levels and platforms.

In his message of the Defence Day, Prime Minister Imran Khan saidthat Pakistan believes in peaceful coexistence and does not want war withanyone.

But he vowed to give a befitting response to any cross border aggression.“Pakistan won’t compromise on its national security and integrity.”

The Defence Day of Pakistan is not limited to only 6th September but itsreal spirit remained alive throughout the year, he stated, adding “Wepresent salute and devotion to our *Shuhada* and *Ghazis* who performedtheir duty in defending the motherland.”

In the 1965 war, the valour of our Armed Forces and the spirit of ourpeople presented a true picture of oneness and coordination, discipline andperseverance.