Entertainment
President, PM, military top brass pay glowing tribute to martyrs on 60th Defence Day
- ISPR says Sept 6, 1965 reflects our firm resolve against stronger foe.
- President Asif Ali Zardari calls Sept 6 a glorious chapter of sacrifice.
- PM says Sept 6 shows unity, courage against enemy aggression.
ISLAMABAD: On the 60th Defence and Martyrs’ Day, Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership paid rich tribute to the country’s martyrs, ghazis, and the resilient citizens whose courage and sacrifices continue to safeguard the nation’s freedom and sovereignty.
The day, which coincided with the blessed occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH), began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital.
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu led the homage to the nation’s heroes.
In its message, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said September 6 epitomises the unflinching resolve and unshakeable spirit of the Pakistani nation.
“On this historic day, our brave soldiers, with the support of the nation, stood like an insurmountable wall against blatant aggression, thwarting the nefarious designs of an enemy far superior in arms and numbers. The feats of heroic valour and sacrifice left an indelible message on the sands of time: that a united nation can never be defeated,” it said.
ISPR added that the courage of fearless heroes continues to inspire future generations and their legacy shall live on forever. The armed forces also expressed their resolve to extend all-out support to victims of the ongoing floods across Pakistan and reaffirmed their pledge to defend the country against any threat, vowing a “befitting and decisive response” to any attempt to disrupt the hard-earned peace.
‘A glorious chapter’
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message issued from the Presidency, called September 6 a “glorious chapter” in Pakistan’s history. He paid rich tribute to the brave soldiers and resilient citizens who, with unshakable faith and unmatched courage, have defended the nation’s borders.
The president highlighted the significance of this year’s Defence Day in light of the recent Operation “Bunyan-um-Marsoos” conducted in May 2025. “Just as our courageous forces demonstrated extraordinary valour and dedication in 1965, our sons once again proved their unmatched bravery during this year’s operation,” he said.
He lauded the professional excellence, combat readiness, and multi-domain capabilities of the Pakistan military, terming the nation’s defence “impregnable” and built on the eternal spirit of its people. As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, he reiterated his commitment to modernising Pakistan’s defence capabilities and emphasised countering modern threats such as hybrid warfare, disinformation, and psychological operations.
President Zardari urged all pillars of the state, particularly the youth, to remain alert, united, and resilient in the face of evolving challenges. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir and Palestine, calling Kashmir the root cause of regional instability and condemning Israeli atrocities as genocide. He demanded a just solution for Kashmir and an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
“Let us remain steadfast, courageous, and united so that the sacrifices of our martyrs are honoured, our defence remains unbreakable, and we pass on a strong, prosperous, and peaceful Pakistan to our future generations,” he concluded, paying tribute to the families of martyrs and veterans.
‘A symbol of courage’
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid glowing tribute to the martyrs and ghazis, calling September 6 “a symbol of courage, unity, and resilience.” He recalled how Pakistan’s armed forces, with the full support of the people, had thwarted enemy aggression in 1965 and proven the nation’s capacity to defend its independence and integrity.
Highlighting the recent “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, Marqa-e-Haq,” the prime minister lauded the Army, Navy, and Air Force for their unmatched professionalism and combat skills under the strategic leadership of COAS Field Marshal Munir. He said the courage of martyrs and war veterans would continue to inspire generations.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and constructive engagement but warned against ignoring “continuous Indian provocations and shifting regional dynamics.” He stressed strengthening defence capabilities and resolutely countering foreign-sponsored terrorism and proxy warfare.
Expressing solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the prime minister reiterated unwavering support for their struggle for self-determination and strongly condemned ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestine, urging uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The premier underscored that economic stability is essential for strong defence and urged the nation to rise above personal differences for sustainable prosperity and self-reliance.
“On this Defence and Martyrs Day, let us renew our pledge to the timeless principles of faith, unity, and discipline as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam, and work together for a secure, united, and prosperous Pakistan. Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad, Pakistan Paindabad,” he concluded.
Entertainment
Royals avoid reunion with Andrew at Beatrice daughter’s Christening
Royal family has seemingly avoided reunion with Andrew and Sarah Ferguson at Princess Beatrice’s daughter Athena’s Christening.
The Princess of York reportedly invited members of the royal family to celebrate the tradition.
However, the royals appeared less excited to meet Andrew and Fergie, who broke the cover and attended the event to give their blessings to their granddaughter.
The royals’ reception towards Andrew and Fergie was noticeably muted as no senior royals were seen joining them amid media scrutiny.
Undoubtedly, the event – which is Andrew’s first royal family event since his princely title was stripped – maked emotional breakthrough for Andrew and Fergie.
It ended their isolation and set the stage for more joyful family moments ahead, just in time for a festive Christmas reunion with King Charles and the royals.
Along with their parents, Beatrice invited some of her royal friends at the Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace on Friday, Decemeber 12.
Princess Nina of Greece and Denmark and Beatrice’s friend, celebrity nutritionist Gabriela Peacock, were also sent the invitation to join Beatrice and her family.
Beatrice and Eugenie’s parents, who were allowed to attend the Duchess of Kent’s Requiem Mass service in September, were not invited to Princess Kate’s last week’s “Together at Christmas” Carol Service.
The royal sister were also missed the event, but released a statement to support the future queen and her event.
Friday’s outing is Andrew and Fergie’s first event with members of the royal family since the King stripped his younger brother of his princely title and honours amid renewed scrutiny around the extent of the former couple’s links to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Athena, 10 months, is Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s second child together. The baby was born prematurely in January.
Entertainment
After flood-aid spat, Maryam and Bilawal trade warm messages
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Friday thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for what he called a “warm welcome and positive gesture” after she publicly greeted him on his visit to Punjab.
Responding to a post on X by Maryam, Bilawal wrote: “Thank you, Madam Chief Minister, for the warm welcome and positive gesture.”
In her message, Maryam had said: “I extend a warm welcome to @BBhuttoZardari on his visit to Punjab. Punjab is your home, and you will always find a place of respect here.”
“Thank you for your gracious remarks. You have my heartfelt good wishes and prayers,” she added.
In October, Maryam had asserted that her government had neither complained nor sought help from anyone for assisting flood-affected citizens, saying that Punjab would handle the crisis through its own resources.
“I did not stretch my hands before anyone. I have protected the self-respect of Punjab’s people,” she said, in an apparent reference to Bilawal’s appeal to the Centre to seek international assistance for flood victims.
Earlier in September, the PPP chief had criticised the “delay” in initiating this process, calling it “beyond comprehension” and pointing out that such appeals were standard practice for disasters of this scale internationally.
He noted that similar steps had been taken for the last floods when he was foreign minister, as well as for the 2010 floods and the 2005 earthquake.
The two key allies were subsequently engaged in a searing war of words that began over flood compensation through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
The verbal bickering later subsided after the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) scrambled a delegation comprising Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who met President Asif Ali Zardari in Nawabshah.
Entertainment
‘What if I over-served fans?’
Taylor Swift opens her new Disney+ docuseries The End of an Era with a message to the performers who joined her on the Eras tour.
Just before the final show in Vancouver, she tells them, “We have done something that no one has ever done,” adding, “We have performed for over 10 million people, in person… We performed for 10 million plus people.”
Swift reflects on how each member of her team found their path. “I think about every single one of you as a little kid… Every single one of us has picked professions that categorically people tell you [that] you should do it.”
The six-part series, previewed earlier this week in New York with Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden, gives fans a close look at the tour’s creative and emotional center.
Alongside the premiere, Disney+ also released Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, The Final Show, the post-Tortured Poets cut of her concert film.
Swift explains that the concept for the Eras tour emerged two years before launch, inspired by “unpleasant” events: the sale of her catalog and the decision to rerecord her early albums, paired with the isolation of the pandemic.
With rehearsals under way, she aimed to “over-serve” fans with the scale and scope of the show. “What if I did a tour that celebrated all of these different moments in my life and career?” she recalls.
The series also covers the tour announcement on Good Morning America and the ensuing Ticketmaster chaos, before shifting to more serious moments.
“Never in my life did I think we would have a terrorist plot,” Swift says of the canceled Vienna dates after an attack plan was uncovered. She breaks down when describing the Liverpool stabbing at a Swift-themed event: the victims were children.
The episodes also follow Swift’s first call with fiancé Travis Kelce after Vienna, her reunion with Ed Sheeran in London, and her secret preparation of The Tortured Poets Department set. She credits Emma Stone for linking her with choreographer Mandy Moore.
Fan-favourite dancer Kameron Saunders receives a spotlight as he prepares “Florida!!!” with Florence Welch.
New episodes release weekly on Disney+.
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