ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday celebrated its 55th Defense Day with its political leadership commemorating martyrs and vowing not to “compromise” on the nation’s sovereignty and security.
“We shall never compromise on the sovereignty and security of the country, and any kind of misadventure by the enemy will be dealt with severely,” President Arif Alvi said in a statement on Sunday.
The Defense Day marks the date when Indian armed forces crossed the international border to attack Pakistan in September 1965 and has been celebrated annually ever since.
“It reminds us of the spirit and valour of Pakistan Armed Forces and the nation, by which they thwarted the evil designs of the enemy on this day, 55 years ago,” President Alvi said, adding that it “still lives in our hearts.”
Today, he said, Pakistan has achieved “self-reliance in the defense field.”
“Besides safeguarding the frontiers, the armed forces are playing an active role in internal security as well as the nation-building,” he said, before drawing attention to India’s “hostile designs.”
“We have also made serious efforts with a positive approach toward securing peace in the region, but, unfortunately, our enemy keeps hostile designs against us. It is covertly engaged in destabilizing Pakistan, and its aggressive policies pose a threat to regional peace and stability. Nevertheless, our policy, in this regard, is firm and clear,” he said.
Relations between the nuclear-armed foes have been tense ever since New Delhi revoked the autonomy of its part of disputed Kashmir on August 5 last year.
Urging the international community to take notice of what he described as Indian aggression in Kashmir, President Alvi pledged ‘’to support the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their struggle till the realization of the right to self-determination... in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.”
He was joined by Prime Minister Imran Khan who said in a statement, on Sunday, that Pakistan’s “desire for peace” should not be “misconstrued.”
“We need to work together for peace and securing a brighter future for our coming generations. With the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A, India had not only violated the UN Charter but has also unleashed reign of terror on innocent Kashmiris,’’ he added.
Pakistan reiterates support for Kashmir on 55th Defense Day
https://arab.news/wz6n6
Pakistan reiterates support for Kashmir on 55th Defense Day
- President Alvi lauds country’s armed forces for their achievements
- Country’s desire for peace must not be misconstrued, PM Khan says
Pakistan urges pilgrims to complete Saudi biometrics as Hajj preparations gain pace
- Government warns pilgrims biometric verification is required for Hajj visas
- Step follows tighter oversight after last year’s Hajj travel disruptions
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government on Friday urged aspiring pilgrims to complete mandatory Saudi biometric verification for Hajj visas, as preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage gather pace following stricter oversight of the Hajj process.
The announcement comes only a day after Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said regulations for private Hajj operators had been tightened, reducing their quota following widespread complaints last year, when tens of thousands of pilgrims were unable to travel under the private Hajj scheme.
“Saudi biometric verification is mandatory for the issuance of Hajj visas,” the Ministry of Religious Affairs said in a statement, urging pilgrims to complete the process promptly to avoid delays.
“Hajj pilgrims should complete their biometric verification at home using the ‘Saudi Visa Bio’ app as soon as possible,” it added.
The statement said the pilgrims who were unable to complete biometric verification through the mobile application should visit designated Saudi Tasheer centers before Feb. 8, adding that details of the centers were available on Pakistan’s official Hajj mobile application.
Pakistan has been steadily implementing digital and procedural requirements for pilgrims ahead of Hajj 2026, including mandatory training sessions, biometric checks and greater use of mobile applications, as part of efforts to reduce mismanagement.
Saudi Arabia has allocated Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2026, with the majority of seats reserved under the government scheme and the remainder allocated to private tour operators.
