Navy holds Defence Day show in Karachi

Exhibition also organised at Hyderabad Garrison to commemorate 1965 war heroism

HYDERABAD/ KARACHI: Residents of Karachi were enthralled by an air show and demonstration of defence exercises organised by the Pakistan Navy at Sea View for Defence Day.

This was the third air show organised by the military in the city this year. Similar shows were earlier held on Pakistan Day and Independence Day.

The navy organised a show on Wednesday at Nishan-e-Pakistan Park, Sea View where officials of the government, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Army witnessed back-to-back performances by naval officers. Citizens also gathered in large numbers at Sea View to view the aerobatic manoeuvres performed by the navy pilots. People chanted national slogans in support of the country's armed forces.

Guests witnessed a mock exercise demonstrating a combat situation between terrorists and navy personnel during which navy personnel recovered hostages from a terrorist group. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN

In his welcome speech, Rear Admiral Abdul Aleem highlighted the importance of the navy for the country's defence. He explained how battles at sea can altogether alter the scenario of war and create a shift in strategic advantages.



The rear admiral added that Pakistan came into being after a huge loss of lives and to respect this sacrifice, the armed forces of the country are always ready to lay down their lives for the country's defence. He went on to say that during the war of 1965, the Pakistan Navy played a vital role as it successfully managed to keep the enemy at bay, saving the coastal areas of the country.

The armed forces' capability to defend Pakistan is stronger than before and they will give a befitting reply if any enemy attacks our homeland, the rear admiral warned. He also welcomed Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah who was the chief guest at the ceremony.

The SSG commandos, who are an air assault team of the navy, arrived at the scene via helicopter and dismantled the terrorist camp during mock fight. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN

The guests were shown a mock exercise demonstrating a combat situation between terrorists and navy personnel, during which navy personnel saved a VIP's life and later recovered hostages from a terrorist group. The SSG commandos, who are an air assault team of the navy, arrived at the scene via helicopter and dismantled the terrorist camp.

Later, Alouette helicopters performed aerobatics and mesmerised viewers, prompting many of them to capture the performance with their mobile phones.



A unique part of the event was the free fall jumps that were exhibited in Karachi for the first time. From a height of 10,000 feet, paratroopers from all three branches of the armed forces jumped from airplanes and landed holding the national flag.

The armed forces' capability to defend Pakistan is stronger than before and they will give a befitting reply if any enemy attacks our homeland, said Rear Admiral Abdul Aleem

A fly past by fixed wing aircraft and rotary wing aircraft was also featured at the event.

 

PAF event

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) organised a ceremony at PAF Masroor Base as a part of the celebrations. The event was inaugurated by the CM who rehashed memories of the 1965 war in his speech.

The armed forces wrote a golden chapter of our history with their blood in September, 1965, the CM said. "They fought with courage, valour, dedication, determination and exceptional professionalism."



Shah also paid tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces, Rangers and police in the ongoing operation against terrorists in the country. He expressed hope that our country will get rid of the menace of terrorism very soon.

 

Celebrations in Hyderabad

The Hyderabad Garrison organised an exhibition on Wednesday displaying military and police weapons, vehicles and other equipment. Along with academicians and students, Pakistan Army and police officers attended the ceremony.



Hyderabad General Officer Commanding Major General Muhammad Ali, chief guest at the event, paid tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives for the country's defence in the 1965 war. He said that the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army would always be ready to sacrifice their lives for the defence, integrity, peace and prosperity of their motherland.

The exhibition showcased old and new weapons used by the armed forces. Hyderabad police also set up a stall displaying weapons used by the police force.

Commemorative events were also organised at educational institutions in Hyderabad.

 

PTI rally

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) held a rally from Jamshoro to Hyderabad on Wednesday. MNA Dr Arif Alvi, who led the rally, told the media, that a strong and stable Pakistan is not possible without getting rid of corrupt people.



"September 6 was a day of victory for Pakistan and we want to tell [Indian prime minister] Narendra Modi that Pakistan's leadership and defence are in strong hands," said the PTI's provincial leader Haleem Adil Shaikh.

They said that PTI will organise a public meeting on September 19 which will be addressed by the party chairperson Imran Khan. The large public attendance at the event will demonstrate that the people of Sindh have rejected the Pakistan Peoples Party, they added.