Ambassador Bilal hosted a reception party on 5 September to mark Pakistan's Defence and Martyrs' Day, paying tribute to Pakistani soldiers who have fearlessly laid down their lives, past and present.

At the event, the Pakistani diplomat hailed Pakistan-Egypt relations as grounded in shared faith, cultural values and aspirations. As the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, military-to-military cooperation is rising, says Bilal.

The ambassador highlighted the participation of a large contingent of the Pakistani armed forces in "Bright Star” military exercises hosted by Egypt as symbolic of the countries' close bilateral defence cooperation.

The reception was attended by Pakistani Defence Attaché Col. Shahid Javaid and Pakistani press attaché Mohamed Faisel, together with members of the diplomatic corps, the defence attachés of various countries, and members of the Pakistani community in Egypt.

In his remarks, Ambassador Bilal stated that "the Defence and Martyrs' Day stands out in the history of Pakistan as a symbol of enduring display of unity, indomitable courage and unmatched sacrifices by our gallant soldiers. On this day 58 years ago, our valiant soldiers displayed unprecedented bravery and professionalism; together with the whole nation at their back, Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force defeated the enemy on all fronts, the Ambassador highlighted".

He noted that the world has also witnessed the resolve of the armed forces of Pakistan in their protracted battle against terrorism. "Pakistan has faced the brunt of global and regional terrorism, which was not only confronted by our armed forces but by the nation as a whole", the ambassador added. He also lauded the work of the troops during floods, earthquakes and other natural calamities.

Bilal also recalled Pakistan's longstanding territorial dispute with India over the territory of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need to resolve the issue in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. 

The ambassador called on the international community to fulfil its promises made to the Kashmiri people for the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination.

Defence Attaché Javaid spoke as well, noting that Defence and Martyrs Day commemorates the courage and heroic resolve of Pakistani forces in the Indo-Pak War of 1965 and the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism.

He highlighted operations Zarb-e-Azb and Rad-ul-Fassad for wiping out terrorist networks inside Pakistan. He also talked about the active role being played by the Pakistan Army as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in different operations around the globe.