KATHMANDU :  Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal, Abrar H Hashmi (right), officiating CoAS Ashok Raj Sigdel (center) posing for a group photo during a function organized to mark the Defense and Martyrs Day in Kathmandu on Friday.

The Pakistani Embassy marked its Defense and Martyrs Day in Kathmandu with a reception on Saturday evening (September 6).

Lt Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel, officiating Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) of the Nepali Army graced the occasion as the chief guest.

Expressing his views at the event, officiating CoAS Lt. Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel, highlighted that Pakistan and Nepal enjoy multifaceted bilateral relations including economic, commercial, educational, and technical assistance as well as military.

Appreciating the assistance, especially in crisis, extended by Pakistan, Sigdel acknowledged that assistance is helping in the capacity building of Nepali institutions. Meanwhile, he hoped for the continuation of cordial and friendly relations between both countries.

Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal, Abrar H Hashmi, in his remarks, highlighted the significance of the day and paid rich tributes to the sacrifices of armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and Pakistani citizens who laid down their lives to protect the motherland, as well as to ensure peace and stability of the country.

Ambassador Hashmi said Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to peace and stability in the region and has played a significant role in the global fight against terrorism and in the United Nations peacekeeping missions. However, Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity when faced with challenges, said Hashmi. From wars to guarding against the menace of terrorism, the whole nation stood with gallant soldiers, pilots, and sailors in defending the country and offered supreme sacrifice, he added.

Similarly, Col Muhammad Ali Alvi, Defense Attaché, in his speech, shed light on the importance of Defense and Martyrs Day and the contribution of Pakistan Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies to the defense of Pakistan and global peace. He also highlighted strong military ties between the two brotherly countries, guided by the shared vision of achieving peace and stability in the region.

Documentaries about the armed forces of Pakistan, defense production, and the culture of Pakistan were also screened during the event.

 

Senior Nepali military and civil officials, ambassadors, retired senior army officers including former Chiefs of Army Staff, academia, members of the diplomatic corps, defense attachés, UN agencies, media personnel, and members of the Pakistani community attended the reception.