People in Islamabad rally in support of Kashmir as they observe Defence Day. PHOTOS: AGENCIES
A host of other events were also held across the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, particular wreath-laying ceremonies at the tombs and monuments for martyrs, particularly Nishan-e-Haider recipient Lance Naik Mahfuz Awan.
In the federal capital, a massive Kashmir solidarity rally was held to mark defence day. The rally spanned the southbound track of Jinnah Avenue leading from D-Chowk and was led by a host of civil society organisations.
A second rally was organised by a body of doctors who marched through the city to hold a protest outside the National Press Club.
In Rawalpindi. The local District Bar Association (DBA) also organised a rally. Addressing the rally, office-bearers including Sohail Tanvir, Sajjad Akbar Abbasi, Shehzad Mir said that Kashmiris were now closer than ever to attaining freedom and that India could not suppress them with a month-long curfew.
They added that India has now brought the issue of Kashmir in the limelight itself by annexing the disputed Himalayan territory.
They voiced their support for the Pakistan army and said that the nation was ready for any kind of sacrifice.
Rescue 1122 also organised a ceremony at the central station in connection with the day and paid tribute to martyrs of the army and the Ghaghar Plaza fire incident.
Rawalpindi DC Ali Randhawa expressed solidarity with Kashmiris. Rawalpindi City Police Officer Faisal Rana said that martyrs are assets of the nation. He added that the country’s defence was in safe and strong hands while the struggle made by the Kashmiris will soon bear fruit.
Meanwhile, like in the rest of the country, the Pakistan Army organised an exhibition and open display of arms and other military equipment at the Qasim Army Aviation Base in Rawalpindi.
A large number of people, including women and children, thronged to the base to catch a glimpse of the army’s firepower.
Punjab Minister for Colonies Fayazul Hassan Chohan visited the family of martyred Captain Abdul Samad from the Sadiqabad area of Rawalpindi. He condoled with the slain soldier’s family and offered prayers.
Later, while talking to the media, the minister said that five years ago, Capt Samad took on 13 terrorists in South Waziristan and embraced martyrdom.
Talking about the situation in Kashmir, Chohan stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was fooling the Indian nation, adding that Kashmiris cannot be stopped from raising their flags using bullets.
Homage paid
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hamza Shafqat and Operations DIG Waqaruddin Syed paid tribute to the Lance Naik Mahfuz Awan. The official is a recipient of country’s highest military award, Nishan-e-Haider, for his heroics in the 1965 war with India.
They visited his tomb in the Pandmalikan area located on the outskirts of Islamabad.
A smartly turned out contingent of the Islamabad Police presented a guard of honour while the officials laid wreaths at the martyr’s grave.
Defence Day at educational institutions
The youth were urged on Friday to remember the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to secure their peaceful future. These views were expressed by the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Rector Major General (retd) Muhammad Jaffar during a Defense Day ceremony at the university on Friday.
During the programme, poets Jalil Aali and Junaid Azir presented their verses in the memory of martyrs. Students participated in a declamation contest regarding the defence of the nation.
At the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), a Kashmir Solidarity Day was held to reaffirm support of the Pakistani nation for the oppressed people of Indian occupied Kashmir.
Rallies and walks were held on campuses with the participants holding aloft banners detailing Indian atrocities. They also chanted slogans for Kashmiri freedom.
WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM AGENCIES
Published in The Express Tribune, September 7th, 2019.
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