Defence Day: Nation pays homage to martyrs

People from all walks of life mark date with special prayers for the unity, solidarity, prosperity of country

KARACHI: Pakistan celebrated its Defence Day with zeal and fervour on Wednesday by carrying out special prayers for the unity, solidarity and prosperity of the country.

People paid homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the defence of the country during the Pakistan-India War back in 1965.

The celebrations began early on Tuesday night, as thousands of youth welcomed Defence Day with firecrackers and by organising big rallies in different cities nationwide. Local news outlets underscored the struggle of the Muslim leaders in particular Muhammad Ali Jinnah, for the creation of Pakistan. Special prayers were also offered for the early liberation of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).

Karachi

Celebrations in the coastal city kicked off with a change of guard ceremony at the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. A contingent of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) cadets assumed the responsibility of security during an impressive ceremony. PAF Air Vice Marshal Imran Khalid was the chief guest on the occasion.

Khalid, along with other senior PAF officials, offered fateha and laid flowers on the late Quaid’s mazaar.

Pakistan Air Force cadets at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah during change of guard ceremony to mark Defence Day. PHOTO: APP

PAF had also arranged a day long exhibition at its Masroor Air Base in Mauripur. Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah was specially invited to the event, which was also open to public; it offered an opportunity for the armed forces to showcase its impressive fleet of aircraft and fighter planes.

A photo display of PAF heroes, including pilot officers Rashid Minhas and Muhammad Younus, Air Commodore MM Alam and several other local heroes particularly attracted the visitors, as they paid homage to the officers who laid down their lives for the country.

Shah said that the sacrifices made by our armed forces for the defence of the country are a source of pride for the nation and will never be forgotten. He also reaffirmed the need for all Pakistanis to unite in defence of their motherland, as the scourge of terrorism demanded mutual trust among all sections of our society.

A day long programme at Malir Cantonment is also drawing the attention of residents, who are keen to visit the site and be a part of the celebrations.

Lahore

People in the city of Lahore marked the occasion with solemn prayers in remembrance of the martyrs of 1965 war, as they paid tribute to these real-life heroes. The day started with a Quran Khawani for those who embraced shahadat for the homeland on that fateful day, defeating the enemy with their courage and bravery.

Corps Commander Lahore General Sadiq Ali visited Ravi Siphon near Batapur early in the morning, and laid flowers on the monument of 1965 War's shuhda. A ceremony for the change of honourary guards at the Mazar-e-Iqbal was also organised, after which Garrison Commander Major General Muhammad Amir offered fateha and paid his respects to the great poet and philosopher.

Children presenting national songs during an event to mark the Defence Day at Fortress Stadium in Lahore. PHOTO: APP

A special ceremony was also held at the Major Shabir Sharif mausoleum, which was attended by General Officer Commanding Major General Syed Muhammad Adnan, along with the family of the martyred soldier, including former COAS Gen Raheel Sharif. On the occasion, army personnel paid rich tributes to the martyred soldiers.



Hyderabad

Hyderabad celebrated the 51st Defence Day with spirited gusto, cheer and a pledge to strive for the progress and prosperity of the country. The District Police Hyderabad has made strict security arrangements in order to avert any untoward incident.

An APC at Garrison Sports Stadium, Hyderabad. PHOTO: APP

Sialkot

Near the border areas with India, Sialkot, Daska, Pasrur and Sambrial celebrated defence day with enthusiasm on Wednesday. The annual Hilal-e-Istiqlal flag hoisting ceremony was held under the jurisdiction of Tehsil Municipal Administration Sialkot.

Provincial Minister for Local Government and Community Development Khawaja Muhammad Manshaullah Butt, along with Station Commander Sialkot Brigadier Kamran Hayyat and elected representatives, hoisted the flag atop the Jinnah Hall Building.

The Hilal-e-Istiqlal flag was awarded to the people of Sialkot for the courage they demonstrated during the war. Butt said that there was a dire need to demonstrate the spirit of 1965 war today, as we needed it to defeat anti-state elements and for the general stability and prosperity of Pakistan.

The minster acknowledged the courageous contributions of our armed forces and the people of Sialkot in the 1965 war. Butt urged the people that they should shun their differences in larger national interest and work collectively for the betterment of masses and the country. A large number of people visited the graves of shuhada in Chowinda and a memorial in Khanawali, where a big tank battle was fought.



Rawalpindi

A number of people keenly watching aircraft and weapons displayed at Nur Khan Air Base. PHOTO: APP