Message to P.A.F. personnel repatriated from India on December 7, 1972

My dear brave Mujahids,

On my behalf and on behalf of the people of Pakistan, I extend to you our warmest welcome on your return to the sacred motherland.

The nation recognizes the prolonged privations endured by you in the cause of Pakistan. It deeply appreciates the sterling services rendered by you against overwhelming odds and grave hazards which confronted you. The inspiring resoluteness displayed by you has been a source of great strength to us and is gratefully acknowledged. You have now returned to a new Pakistan, a vibrant Pakistan imbued with the urge and determination to forge ahead and carve out its rightful destiny. The pain and anguish is over, having given way to an era of hope and faith in our future.

In your absence, your Government has taken all possible measures to look after your families and dependents. You will now be proceeding home on leave to reunite with them and to return to duty with renewed zest and determination to serve the country. This indeed is a moment of gratitude. Let us, therefore, bow our heads before Allah in humility for his benevolence seeking strength and guidance in rededicating ourselves to the glory of Islam and to the re-building of our country.