Commemorated: Defence Day in K-P, FATA celebrated

SWABI/ WANA/ PESHAWAR/ LANDIKOTAL/ PARACHINAR/ GHALLANAI: A series of events were organised to mark Defence Day in the province with gusto.

The armed forces arranged a celebration at Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Stadium, Peshawar Cantt on Tuesday. An exhibition was also organised where weapons were put on display for the public. Chief Minister Pervez Khatak was the chief guest on the occasion.

The day commenced with Quran Khwani. Special prayers were offered for the peace and prosperity of the country at various mosques.

The army band saluted the national flag which was later presented to the chief minister. Tribute was paid to those soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1965 war.

Heightened security

Security was tightened to avoid any untoward situation. Walkthrough gates were installed on all entrances of the stadium and people were thoroughly checked before they were allowed entry into the exhibition.

According to a handout issued on Tuesday by Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR), the visitors were briefed by the army officers at the stalls.

A special ceremony was also held at Yadgar-i-Shuhada. Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra along with Lt Gen (retd) Mumtaz Gul and acting Corps Commander Major General Shaheen Mazhar Mehmood laid floral wreaths at the monuments and presented salute.

In a first

For the first time in history, a flag-hosting ceremony was held in South Waziristan at Wana Sports Complex where political administration, tribal elders and officers and jawans of the force participated in the function.

An event was also held in the FR Ground at Parachinar, which were attended by tribal elders. Students of the various school presented national songs and a parade and dance performances were held on the occasion. A function was also held at Landikotal Fort where Khyber Rifles Commandant Colonel Omar Farooq Hayat, assistant political agent, tribal elders and children of various schools participated, “The nation still exists due to the sacrifices of the forces. [They] will chase the militants and enemies of the nation till last breath,” Hayat said. “The tribespeople became IDPs for the peace and stability of the country. Through military operations, the backbone of militancy has been shattered. Nobody is allowed to destroy the peace of the country again.”

A floral wreath was laid on the grave of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Nishan-e-Haider, at his hometown in Swabi to pay homage to the celebrated and courageous hero of Kargil War.

A similar ceremony was held on the occasion 51st Defence Day in Hangu at Tal Cantt. Brig Ameer Muhammad was the chief guest.

An event was held at Ghallanai, Mohmand and Bajaur agencies where political administration and Frontier Corps official along with tribal elders pay tribute to the martyrs of 1965 war and as well as those who have lost their lives in militancy in Fata.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2016.