Fifty-two years ago, this day – December 16 – marked a turning point in Pakistan’s history. Today, as we remember the fall of Dhaka, we face new challenges that are more serious than ever. We think back to a time of prosperity with a mix of sorrow and deep reflection.
Our nation is at a crossroads. The systems that govern us, from politics to government to security, need serious attention. In these difficult times, our military leaders must not only protect our borders but also strengthen the bonds that unite us as a people.
Nine years ago, on December 16, 2014, we suffered another heartbreaking loss. Our enemy attacked the Army Public School in Peshawar. Nearly 200 children and their teachers, including the principal, were martyred in this act of senseless violence. The memory of those innocent lives serves as a powerful reminder to remain vigilant against evil forces.
But remembering the past is not enough. We must use this moment to build a better future. We must look beyond our differences and stand together as one nation. Let’s join hands with our military leaders, not only in defending our borders, but also in building a stronger, more united Pakistan.
This December 16, let us honor the fallen while also looking towards a brighter future. Let us not dwell on past sorrows, but focus on the hope and unity that lie ahead. Together, we can build a Pakistan that is safe, prosperous, and proud.
Today, as we grapple with internal and external challenges, the insidious enemy is actively aiding the interim Taliban government in Kabul, fueling ongoing conspiracies against Pakistan. Terrorism in Balochistan is creating unrest, akin to the situation in East Pakistan.
The influx of terrorists from Afghanistan, facilitated by the Taliban government, continues to wreak havoc, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Recent events, such as the suicide attack by TTP terrorists during a security forces operation in Dera Ismail Khan, show the brutality witnessed during the APS tragedy, claiming the lives of over two dozen youths.
Amidst these grave circumstances, our security forces valiantly fulfill their duty, risking their lives to meet the defense and security requirements of the nation. The political, governmental, and military leaderships, unified and resolute, are implementing the National Action Plan with renewed vigor, earning the steadfast support of the entire nation.
Reflecting on the fateful day of December 16, 1971, during the Indo-Pak war, we recall the defeat that led to the surrender of the Pakistan Army in East Pakistan. This dark chapter in our history serves as a poignant lesson, urging our leaders to prevent any such brutal mistakes in the future regarding the protection and defense of our nation’s security.
India’s success in achieving its objectives through the tragedy of 1971 fueled a sense of arrogance, with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi claiming to have drowned the ideology of Pakistan in the Bay of Bengal. However, our leaders responded with resilience, initiating efforts to equip the country with nuclear power for homeland defense. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s diplomatic prowess led to the liberation of 90,000 military personnel and civilians from enemy domination.
The painful memory of the APS Peshawar attack in 2014, still haunts our nation. In the face of these challenges, our resilience as a nation is evident. The sacrifices of the past, the pain of the present, and the determination for a secure future unite us. As we remember December 16, let us reaffirm our commitment to defending our homeland and securing a prosperous and stable future for generations to come.
