Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan says we are proud of our armed forces and the entire nation is indebted to the martyrs and their families.

He made these remarks while addressing a special ceremony to mark Defence and Martyrs' Day of Pakistan, in Washington.

Paying glowing tribute to their valour, courage and resilience, the Ambassador said Pakistan’s armed forces are among the strongest defence forces.

Referring to county's fight against the menace of terrorism, he said our armed forces and nation have paid a disproportionate and exorbitant price in blood and treasure.

The Ambassador reiterated call for the realization of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and international law. He said this is key to peace and stability in the region.

Masood Khan also thanked the United States for its support, especially during formative phase of the country, to strengthen its defence capabilities.

On the occasion, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza NI (M), in his video message, reaffirmed unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces to continue defending the sanctity and territorial integrity of the motherland.

The CJCSC said that Pakistan’s Armed Forces were recognized worldwide for their professionalism and unwavering commitment to defend the country against any aggression.

 He said Pakistan believes in peaceful coexistence based on the noble objective of peace within and peace without that is peace with our neighbors and peace in the neighbourhood.

The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee said that Pakistan was one of the largest contributors in the peacekeeping forces for the United Nations.

He highlighted that Pakistan's forces had been deployed in 46 UN peacekeeping missions worldwide and also sacrificed 168 precious lives for the global peace.