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.

The Defence Day is observed every year on September 6 to commemorate the legacy of the 1965 war, which began after India launched an attack across the international border. The war ended with a ceasefire on September 22, and peace between the two countries was negotiated under Soviet auspices in Tashkent on January 10, 1966.

During this war, 1617 square miles of territory was occupied by Pakistan as compared to 446 square miles of Pakistan’s open and undefended territory occupied by India. The Pakistan Army had captured 20 Indian officers, 19 junior Indian commissioned officers and 569 other ranks.

PM’s message

PM Shehbaz paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans of armed forces and their families, on behalf of the entire nation, in his Defence Day message issued by his office.

“September 6 is a glorious chapter in our national history, reminding us of the unparalleled resolve, unity and sacrifices demonstrated by our armed forces and the nation in defence of our beloved homeland.

“This day provides us with an opportunity to pay tribute to the martyrs and veterans who made immense sacrifices to safeguard Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and independence. Despite the enemy’s undeclared aggression and numerical superiority on September 6 1965, the professionalism and operational preparedness of Pakistan’s armed forces inflicted a humiliating and resounding defeat upon it on all fronts,” he recalled.

The prime minister added, “History bears witness that during the 1965 war, our armed forces displayed exceptional professionalism and courage, while the Pakistani nation demonstrated remarkable unity, resilience and steadfastness. Together they created a proud and enduring legacy in our national history.”

The prime minister also commended the armed forces’ response to India during last-year four-day military conflict, Marka-i-Haq.

“In line with the glorious tradition of valiance, our armed forces, under the excellent professional strategy of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, delivered a response to our age-old adversary that will be remembered for generations.

“The entire nation is proud of our brave Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy,” he said.

Referring to Bunyanum Marsoos —Pakistan’s military operation in response to India’s attack in the episode — the premier said its success added another “glorious chapter to our military history”.

“Our armed forces have once again demonstrated that the spirit and fervour of September 6 remain as strong as ever.”

He added that the challenges confronting Pakistan today demanded greater national unity and solidarity.

“Our traditional adversary, along with Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan, continues to pursue its nefarious designs against Pakistan, but these hostile forces are facing successive and decisive defeats. The sinister designs of hostile forces seeking to destabilise Pakistan through hybrid warfare shall be resolutely defeated,” he said.

The state uses the term Fitna-al-Khawarij for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and has designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna-al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan.

Beyond security challenges, PM Shehbaz said one of the country’s “foremost challenge is to eradicate ignorance, poverty and backwardness and to transform Pakistan in accordance with the vision of Quaid-o-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal”.

“Our true strength lies not only in our defence capabilities but also in a united, peaceful, stable and economically strong nation,” he said, adding that the government would continue to take resolute measures to strengthen Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and defence, while simultaneously advancing economic development, political stability and public welfare.

And beyond its frontiers, Pakistan would continue to play an “active and constructive” role in promoting peace and stability at both regional and global levels, he added.

As a responsible state, Pakistan had emerged as a net security stabiliser, contributing to collective security, peace and stability beyond its borders, he said, adding that the Makkah Defence Alliance was a manifestation of Pakistan’s growing role in regional security and reflected its commitment to collective defence, mutual security and enduring partnerships with brotherly countries.

“Pakistan will continue to fulfil its responsibilities as a dependable partner for peace and security while pursuing cooperation and dialogue as the preferred means of addressing regional challenges,” he said.

He then called on the international community to recognise that lasting and genuine peace in South Asia could not be achieved without resolution of the Kashmir issue as per United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Kashmir.

“Quaid-i-Azam described Kashmir as Pakistan’s jugular vein. India’s reprehensible conduct and continued intransigence on the Kashmir dispute remain major impediments to lasting peace, development and prosperity in the region,” he said.

Coming back to September 6, he added, “On this historic day, let us renew our commitment to making Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s principles of faith, unity and discipline an integral part of our national life. Let us work together to build a strong, prosperous and developed Pakistan.

“We must always remember that a strong defence provides the foundation for sustainable peace and development. The armed forces of Pakistan remain the guarantors of our national security, and the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its brave defenders,” he said.

President’s message

President Zardari began his message by stating that September 6 held a “memorable place in our national history, reminding us of the great sacrifices made to safeguard our freedom, sovereignty and national security”.

“Defence and Martyrs’ Day provides us with an opportunity to pay tribute to the immortal sacrifices of the brave sons of the nation who, in 1965, demonstrated unparalleled resolve, courage and devotion in defence of our beloved homeland, defeating the enemy’s nefarious designs on every front.

“I, on behalf of the entire nation, salute the martyrs and veterans of Pakistan’s armed forces and their families. Through their blood and sacrifice, our martyrs wrote timeless stories of courage and patriotism in the annals of our national history. Their sacrifices will forever remain a guiding light for generations to come,” he said.

The president said the unity and spirit of faith demonstrated by the armed forces and the Pakistani nation on September 6, 1965 remained a manifestation of the nation’s collective strength.

“This day reminds us that when a nation stands united in defence of its freedom, sovereignty and homeland, no power can defeat its resolve,” he added.

He, too, recalled Marka-i-Haq, saying that the “spirit of September 6 was once again reflected in the resounding success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos”.

“Victory in Marka-i-Haq represents a continuation of the spirit of patriotism and freedom embodied by September 6. Marka-i-Haq has added another glorious chapter to our national history. This extraordinary success is a testament to the professionalism, courage and bravery of our armed forces and reflects the exemplary longstanding bond between the armed forces and the people of Pakistan,” he said.

He too mentioned Pakistan’s role in regional security, and said that as a peaceful and responsible state, the country remained firmly committed to promoting peace, dialogue and mutual respect in the region and across the world.

“Pakistan has increasingly emerged as a net regional security provider, contributing to peace, stability and collective security beyond its frontiers. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is a manifestation of Pakistan’s commitment to regional security and its growing role as a responsible and dependable partner for regional peace and stability,” he said.

At the same time, he continued, there could be no compromise on Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.

“The international community must recognise that lasting peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without resolution of the Kashmir issue as per United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Kashmir,” the president said.

He further called on India to “desist from promoting terrorism in Pakistan through its proxies”.

“United Nations reports testify that Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan have received foreign patronage and the nexus between India and the Taliban regime is no longer a secret,” he noted.

The president added that in every conventional and unconventional war, Pakistan’s armed forces had demonstrated their vigilance, preparedness and unwavering commitment to defending the country.

“The entire nation continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with its brave armed forces,” he said.

He added, “We must also remember that, alongside a strong defence, economic stability, political tolerance, national unity, education and development constitute the foundations of Pakistan’s strength. Together, we must play our part in building a bright, secure and developed Pakistan for our youth and future generations.”

The president concluded his message, saying: “Today, as we pay tribute to the great sacrifices of our martyrs, we renew our resolve to defend Pakistan’s freedom, sovereignty and security at all costs. We also reaffirm our commitment to working together to transform Pakistan, in accordance with the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, into a strong, democratic, prosperous and developed state.”

‘Pakistan seeks peace in region’

Country’s top miliatry brass also commemorated the war’s legacy on the day in a message released by the military’s media affairs wing.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said CDF Munir, Admiral Ashraf, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu National Strategic Command Commander General Syed Aamer Raza and the armed forces “pay profound tribute to the shuhada (martyrs) of Pakistan and extend their deepest respect and gratitude to the ghazis (fighters) and the families of our martyrs on the occasion of the 61st Defence and Martyrs’ Day”.

“September 6 remains an enduring symbol of national unity, courage and resolve, reminding us how the Pakistani nation stood as one in defence of the motherland during the war of 1965,” the statement said.

It added that martyrs of Pakistan “embody the highest ideals of honour, duty and sacrifice”.

“Across the battlefields, skies and seas, generations of Pakistan’s defenders have stood sentinels and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. Their immortal legacy continues to inspire future generations, while the families of our shuhada remain enduring symbols of fortitude and resilience.

“We also salute our ghazis, who continue to guard the nation’s frontiers with valour, steadfastness and distinguished service,” the statement said.

The armed forces remained fully prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests, it said, adding that Pakistan sought peace, stability and prosperity in the region and remained committed to responsible conduct and peaceful coexistence.

“This commitment, however, must never be mistaken for weakness. Any aggression against Pakistan will be met with a swift and decisive response.”

The armed forces renewed their “solemn pledge of unwavering devotion to Pakistan and its people”.

“The supreme sacrifices of our shuhada, the spirit of our ghazis and the fortitude of their families will forever remain a source of national strength and pride. Standing united with the nation, the armed forces will continue to discharge their sacred responsibilities with honour, professionalism and unflinching resolve,” the statement said.

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has claimed security situation has improved considerably with the use of technology, yet the province faced a greater security threat coming through its provincial borders.

Speaking at an AI technology event in Lahore on Saturday, the chief minister said riverine (katcha) areas had once become hubs of terrorism and crime, but the writ of the state has now been established there. “Terrorism enters Punjab from there. Everyone has their eyes on Punjab, but, thank God, Punjab is a safe province. The kind of threats we face come from all our provincial borders,” she said, adding that threats come from the tri-border area and neighbouring provinces.

“The unfortunate thing is that the threat Punjab faces comes less from my neighbouring countries and more from my neighbouring provinces,” she added.

Her remarks drew strong condemnation from the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP), which demanded that she withdraw her remarks and apologise to the people of other provinces.

In her address, CM Maryam said security personnel had previously suffered heavy casualties in attacks on posts while militants possessed better weapons and night-vision equipment than police personnel.

She said joint check posts had since been strengthened and provided with bulletproof protection, thermal imaging equipment and night-vision cameras, reducing the risk of casualties in attacks.

She said artificial intelligence had been incorporated into the province’s security system within months with support from the Pakistan Army and other security institutions.

According to the chief minister, the establishment of an AI Intelligence Hub would enable district coordination committees to receive digital alerts, while security institutions were working as “one unit” to protect the public and maintain law and order.

She also said the overall security situation in Punjab had improved considerably. She claimed crime in the province had declined by up to 70 per cent and stressed that effective law enforcement remained essential alongside development projects.

She said groups had previously used religion to spread hatred, requiring police to divert resources to address such situations, while Muharram, Eid Miladun Nabi and other religious occasions had passed peacefully.

TTAP demands apology

Meanwhile, the TTAP strongly condemned CM Maryam’s remarks, terming them reflective of an “outdated mindset”.

TTAP spokesman Akhunzada Hussain Ahmad Yousafzai said both KP and Balochistan provinces had faced terrorism for decades and stressed that the need of the hour was to acknowledge mistakes in past policies, warning that such remarks could damage national unity and widen divisions among the people.

The alliance demanded that CM Maryam withdraw her remarks and apologise to the people of KP and Balochistan for hurting their sentiments.

Separately, the alliance Punjab chapter also condemned the chief minister’s remarks, describing them as “dangerous and divisive”.

TTAP Punjab chief organiser Ammar Ali Jan and information secretary Shayan Bashir criticised the remarks that seemed to be an attempt “to associate Pakistan’s provinces with terrorism”.

Also, PTI Central Informa­tion Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram strongly condemned the remarks, saying national security challenges should not be viewed through the narrow lens of provincial politics.

“Such selective political narratives are highly irresponsible, particularly at a time when terrorism remains a national challenge, with no part of the country completely safe from the threat,” he said in a statement issued by the party’s Central Media Department.

He said combating terrorism required unity, collective responsibility and cooperation among all federating units rather than attempts to pit one province against another.

Mr Akram accused the PML-N of pursuing policies that had contributed to divisions among provinces and said political leaders should take responsibility for addressing security challenges rather than shifting blame.

He said terrorism was a national threat that demanded a coordinated state response instead of political point-scoring or the vilification of any province.

The PTI leader alleged that CM Maryam’s remarks sought to shift blame towards Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and unfairly portray its people as a threat while overlooking the sacrifices made by the province and its residents in the fight against militancy.

He said Pakistan’s security challenges could not be addressed by blaming one province while ignoring broader national and regional factors.

Mansoor Malik in Lahore and Ikram Junaidi in Islamabad also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2026

LAHORE/KARACHI: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday renewed his call for a “reset” of Pakistan’s governance system, insisting that the country needed to restructure its administrative framework to address decades-old failures in public service delivery and declared that new administrative units had to be made at any cost.

“New administrative units will eventually have to be created as Pakistan’s growing population and changing needs can no longer be effectively managed through the existing administrative structure,” said the minister, who is considered close to the powers that be.

Addressing a National Policy Dialogue on ‘Devolution of Powers and Good Governance in Pakistan’ at the University of Management and Technology, Mr Naqvi said the proposed “reset” did not mean a change of government or political party but a comprehensive review and restructuring of the administrative system to make it responsive to the needs of citizens.

His earlier remarks about “resetting the system” had been widely interpreted as a reference to the incumbent government. He clarified that his call was not aimed at replacing any particular government or political party.

Mr Naqvi said Pakistan, after nearly eight decades, was still struggling to provide basic services to its citizens, including education, healthcare, clean drinking water and sanitation. He said Pakistan would eventually have to restructure its administrative boundaries.

“New administrative units will have to be created. No one can stop it. However, such a major decision cannot be imposed by an individual or a single political party and should instead be made in accordance with the wishes of the people. If the people want new administrative units, they should be created,” he said. He stressed any restructuring of the state and the creation of new administrative units must take place strictly within the constitutional and legal framework and through political consensus.

Drawing an analogy with the growth of a family, the interior minister said that while a single house may once have accommodated an entire family, expanding families eventually required additional homes. “Similarly, as the population grows and its needs increase, the administrative system and structure must also change,” he said.

Referring to some political parties, Mr Naqvi said there appeared to be anxiety among certain quarters over devolving powers to the grassroots level, but maintained that such concerns could be addressed through constitutional means. “Powers can be transferred to the lower levels within the framework of the Constitution. No illegal or unconstitutional measures will be permitted,” he said.

Provincial status for Islamabad

He also called for a debate on granting provincial status to Islamabad, saying residents of the federal capital did not receive a share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.

“If new provinces are to be created, Islamabad should also be given the status of a province,” he said and urged political and public support for the proposal. “The opinion of the people is more important than that of politicians on the issue of new administrative units,” he said, adding that no such units should be created without public approval.

Khawaja Asif slams ‘double standards’

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the devolution of power is “inevitable”, while also accusing the PPP of having a contradictory stance on the issue of new provinces.

“When there is talk of a Saraiki province in Punjab, the PPP supports it or shows a soft corner on this issue. And when there is talk of multiple provinces or administrative units instead of four, talk of ‘Sindhudesh’ begins,” he said in a post on the social media platform X late Friday night. Mr Asif said that he saw “something else” behind this “dual policy” by the PPP, adding that he would delve into this deeper “when the time comes”.

“We are first and foremost Pakistanis. Devolution was decided as a constitutional principle through the 18th Amendment, which was not respected. Time and circumstance demand that it be implemented with integrity,” he said.

He said that concentration of power had made the current system obsolete, which needed to be “corrected”. “Provinces or administrative units, whatever label you want to apply. You have 36 divisions, use them, or devise some other administrative-geographical scheme. The devolution of power is inevitable,” he said.

PPP opposes Sindh’s division

Meanwhile, the PPP stepped up its opposition to the federal government’s statements on new provinces and administrative units. The PPP Sindh leadership, at a meeting chaired by provincial president Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, accused the federal ministers of interfering in the constitutional affairs of the province and warned the federal government against any attempt to undermine Sindh’s autonomy or territorial integrity.

The meeting called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to restrain his ministers from making statements on new provinces and warned that continued remarks could lead the PPP to conclude that the federal government was behind a “conspiracy against Sindh’s unity, provincial autonomy and the 18th Amendment”. The PPP Sindh meeting also decided to hold divisional-level ‘Sindh Unity’ seminars and rallies at tehsil headquarters on September 12 under the slogan ‘Sindh is the motherland’.

Separately, Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah and former Senate chairman Raza Rabbani warned against any move that could affect the province’s unity, autonomy or constitutional status.

Responding to Mr Naqvi’s remarks, Mr Shah said he agreed with the need for better governance, an effective administrative system and reforms aimed at facilitating the people, but stressed that administrative reforms and the reorganisation of provinces were “entirely different matters”.

“The question of dividing Sindh is not merely an administrative proposal; it is linked with the sentiments, history and collective will of the people of Sindh,” he said.

Former Senate chairman Mian Raza Rabbani also criticised statements by federal ministers regarding new provinces and administrative units, saying such remarks without a cabinet or party decision were condemnable. “It seems they are being more loyal than the King,” he said. Senator Rabbani said the question of creating more provinces was not a federal matter but one that had to be decided by the people of the provinces in accordance with the Constitution.

PTI questions PM’s silence

In a separate statement, the PTI questioned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s silence on such an important issue, which carried far-reaching constitutional and political consequences. The spokesperson asked why the PM had remained largely absent from a debate concerning the future administrative and political structure of the federation, while the interior minister had been dictating the federal government’s position on the issue for the past few months.

Meanwhile, the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party, led by Aleem Khan, welcomed a statement by PML-N planning minister Ahsan Iqbal about creating new provinces. In a message posted on X, Abdul Aleem Khan appreciated Ahsan Iqbal’s stance and said it was reassuring that political leaders at the national level were adopting a positive approach towards the creation of new provinces.

Ikram Junaidi in Islamabad contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2026

According to a government notification, the assignments were made under Rule 3(4) of the Rules of Business (Revised), 1985. Mr Gillani retained several key portfolios, apparently pending elections for seven seats in the Poonch and Sudhnoti districts and a possible expansion of the cabinet.

The retained departments include Local Government and Rural Development, Communications and Works, Finance and Inland Revenue, Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Information and Information Technology, and Planning and Development.

PM Gillani retains finance, planning, communications, local govt, information, IT

Among the newly assigned ministers, Sardar Mir Akbar was given Physical Planning and Housing, along with the Bagh Development Authority. Waqar Ahmed Noor will oversee Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries, while Dr Mustafa Bashir Abbasi was assigned health.

Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq was given Higher Education, and Sardar Umair Naeem was assigned Elementary and Secondary education.

Raja Saqib Majeed will handle Energy and Water resources, Raja Muhammad Riasat was given Revenue and Reha­bilitation, and Chaudhry Abdul Rehman Arain was entrusted with Tourism, Industry, Labour and Mineral Resources.

After the portfolio distribution, Mr Gillani chaired a high-level meeting to review the contours and priorities of the 100-day programme, which officials said focuses on health, education, youth opportunities, public facilities and infrastructure.

Mr Gillani said the PML-N government would pursue its good governance agenda in line with the vision of party president Nawaz Sharif, making all-out efforts to provide basic facilities to people at their doorsteps.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2026

The programme aims to raise fire safety awareness and preparedness, as well as to ensure the safety and well-being of doctors, patients, students and staff in healthcare institutions.

Prof Dr Rizwan Taj, the PMDC president, stressed that the decision to implement a mandatory programme on fire safety for house officers will be incorporated into their house job.

Drills will be conducted to teach participants about methods to ensure safety of patients in the event of a fire emergency and evacuation procedures to be followed.

According to a statement, the decision follows a review of the existing fire safety protocols and the identification of areas that need improvement.

“The PMDC recognises that there is a need to strengthen fire safety education and awareness in institutions under its regulatory umbrella. The PMDC is committed to quickly addressing the gaps and improving fire emergency preparedness among students, healthcare professionals, patients, and staff.

“All medical colleges and teaching hospitals will have to ensure vigorous fire safety arrangements and effective emergency preparedness for the protection of students, house officers, patients, healthcare professionals and other staff,” Dr Taj said.

Improvement is also needed in the quality of hospital care for “the most vulnerable people” who depend on healthcare staff, he added.

Dr Taj expressed interest in expanding the training programme to medical students and postgraduates, and eventually to all healthcare professionals.

He outlined some of the measures that would be covered by the fire safety programme for house officers. The programme will include regular fire safety drills and evacuation exercises, to be conducted in medical colleges and teaching hospitals so that a culture of preparedness and prompt response was established. House officers will be trained to identify fire hazards, use extinguishers, follow evacuation routes, and communicate emergencies effectively.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2026

According to a statement, the NAFSA Act, 2026, will replace the existing regulatory framework under the Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance, 1971, and Agricultural Pesticides Rules, 1973.

The new system will cover pesticide registration, imports and exports, manufacturing and formulation, dealer licensing, packaging and labelling, storage and safety, laboratory testing, inspections and complaint resolution. The authority said the framework would also introduce science-based risk assessment.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2026