Islamabad (GNP): German Military Attaché Joern Rist hosted an event in Islamabad to mark the 71st anniversary of the Bundeswehr, Germany’s Federal Armed Forces, paying tribute to its history, service and contribution to national and international security. The Bundeswehr was founded on 12 November 1955.
Members of the Corps of Service Attachés, Pakistani military flag and staff officers, diplomats, friends of the Defence Attaché Section and media representatives attended.
German Ambassador Ina Lepel explained the reasons behind the Bundeswehr’s creation and highlighted bilateral military relations, which began in 1967 with the establishment of a German Defence Attaché Staff in Rawalpindi.
She spoke of expanding cooperation, lasting friendship and strong people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Germany, and said the relationship predates formal diplomatic ties, citing Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s time in Heidelberg, where he completed his thesis.
Lepel noted that this year marks 76 years of diplomatic relations, another reason to celebrate the friendship. She recalled German reunification on 3 October 1990 after decades of division, crediting the peaceful revolution in East Germany and the leadership on both sides, and said the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 opened the way to reunification in peace and freedom.
She reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to European unity amid the security challenges created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and to strengthening international partnerships, including with Pakistan. She added that Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Dr Johann Wadephul had recently thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote peace in the Gulf.
Professor Dr Masala, a defence analyst, traced the Bundeswehr’s evolution from a Cold War defence force to an international peacekeeping military, with a renewed focus on NATO security since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He stressed its democratic foundations, especially the “Citizen in Uniform” concept, which emphasises individual rights, ethical responsibility and parliamentary oversight.
German Armed Forces Proficiency Badges were presented to military personnel from Japan, Italy and the United States. Pakistani musicians Shehnaz Aslam and Corporal Fahim paid tribute to fallen soldiers with a performance of “The Good Comrade.”
A trumpet solo, supported by Army Headquarters, was played in remembrance of all who gave their lives in the line of duty.
Also read: President Felicitates Polish President on National Independence Day
The evening also included a charity appeal for a leprosy hospital and traditional German military cuisine, reflecting the Bundeswehr’s traditions of remembrance, solidarity and hospitality.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
