Sindh dedicates Defence Day to the people of Kashmir

Rallies taken out in honour of martyred soldiers, officers

HYDERABAD/ KARACHI: The people of Sindh commemorated Defence Day on Friday, paying tribute to martyrs and their families and calling for freedom of Indian-occupied Kashmir. As hundreds of rallies were taken out in the province, educational institutions, as well as public and private organisations, also observed the day.

Government officials and citizens also reached out to the families of martyrs and visited the graves of martyred soldiers including those who laid down their lives in the 1965 war.

"If war breaks out between Pakistan and India it will be the last war [between the two countries]," said Railways Minister Shaikh Rasheed while addressing a Defence Day event at the railway station in Sukkur district. He said he is often criticised for being blunt over sensitive matters.

"But this way of expression is the need of the hour." He said that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal weighed from grams to kilograms and tons. "Whatever type of war India chooses, we will fight the same way."

He said that a new Pakistan will be created within India. "[Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi will get punished for the mistake he has made in Kashmir."

Speaking at an event at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, General Officer Commanding (GoC) Hyderabad Major General Muhammad Kashif Azad said September 6 is an unforgettable day in Pakistan's national history. "[On that day] the people of Pakistan proved their unmatched national unity and stood by the heroic armed forces in the defence of the country."

He said Defence Day is being observed as Kashmir Solidarity day to reiterate firm support to the people of IoK in their struggle for freedom.

LUMHS Vice Chancellor Prof Bikha Ram Devrajani said with the nation's unwavering support the armed forces and law enforcement agencies have shown resolute courage and commitment while fighting the menace of terrorism. He praised the forces for defeating the enemy on both the internal and external fronts. "The resolution of the Kashmir dispute is key to regional peace," he underscored.

Police rally

The bureaucracy and police of Hyderabad division also took out a rally from Shahbaz Building, the regional bureaucracy's headquarters. "The purpose of observing the day isn't only to commemorate the martyrs but also to give a message to the new generation that they ought to be prepared to lay down their lives in the Defence of this country," said Commissioner Hyderabad division Muhammad Abbass Baloch, who led the rally.

He added that the rally also sent a message to the country's hostile neighbour that the people of Pakistan stand in support of the people of IoK. Later the commissioner and other officials visited the families of the martyrs and presented gifts and shields to the families. "The country can never forget their sacrifices," Baloch said. The participants of dozens of rallies held demonstrations outside Hyderabad Press Club.

Ghani visits martyrs' families

Meanwhile, Sindh Minister for Information, Archives and Labour Saeed Ghani said that this Defence Day is dedicated as a day of solidarity with the Kashmiri people. Speaking during his visits on Friday to the houses of martyred police officials, the minister said that the country stood behind the armed forces and the police. "I pay salute to the services of the Pakistan Armed Forces, police and their Ghazis and Shaheeds."

The minister visited the house of martyred DSP Qasim Ghouri. He was accompanied by Central Intelligence Agency Deputy Inspector General Arif Hanif and other senior police officials. Ghani said that the services of DSP Ghouri for peace in Karachi could not be forgotten. "He sacrificed his life for the sake of peace in the city," said Ghani while condoling with his family.

The minister also visited the house of martyred ASI Iftikhar Ahmed and prayed for his departed soul. He offered support of the provincial government for the better future and education of the martyred ASI's four daughters. He said that he was proud that all four daughters were securing positions in their examinations and assured their mother that the provincial government was committed to resolving all problems of the families of martyred officials. 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2019.