President General Pervez Musharraf has reiterated his resolve to defeat the retrogressive forces in Pakistan and urged the Pakistani nation to work together for making Pakistan a dynamic and prosperous country. In a message on Defence Day of Pakistan, the President said the nation was faced with grave internal threats by handful forces of extremism, militancy and obscurantism. The people of Pakistan desire a bright future and pledge to move ahead as an enlightened, moderate and progressive nation, for a country that is politically stable, as well as economically and militarily strong, Musharraf said. He said this objective can only be achieved by defeating the retrogressive forces. In keeping with the lofty traditions and professional excellence, the Armed Forces of Pakistan are helping the nation in combating the threat of terrorism, for which they deserve not only plaudits, but total support of the people, the President said. Musharraf said there was a need for unity and solidarity in the country to meet the challenges it was facing. I therefore urge all Pakistanis to revive in themselves the spirit of 1965, and resolve to make Pakistan a truly dynamic, prosperous and democratic welfare state for the present and future generations, he said. The President said the Defence Day of Pakistan was observed every year with solemnity and reverence to commemorate the unparalleled show of unity, courage and supreme sacrifices rendered by the Pakistani nation and its valiant Armed Forces, who stood steadfast against overwhelming odds and thwarted nefarious designs of the adversary. He said the supreme sacrifices rendered by the martyrs rendered on September 6 in 1965 serve as beacon of light and source of strength for us all. The nation can rightly be proud of their outstanding deeds of valour in the defence of the motherland, the President said. He said Pakistan has traveled a long way towards progress and strength. Alhamdolillah, Pakistan today has a strong and robust economy and our defence, based on strong conventional and non-conventional capabilities, remains impregnable against any external threat. The President said as a result of prudent policies and far-reaching reforms, Pakistan is moving in the direction of greater socio-economic progress and was realizing its rightful place in the comity of nations.
