Nation pledges unity for motherland’s defence

Events held to pay tribute to martyrs, commemorate Defence Day

RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD/ JHELUM:

Residents of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Sunday observed September 6, 'Defence Day' with traditional enthusiasm and zeal while renewing their pledge to stand united in defence of the motherland against all threats.

Various events were held across the two districts to mark the occasion with a large number of people including women, children and enthusiastic youth besides retired army officers and their families participating.

In these events, a rich tribute was paid to the martyrs and ghazis of 1965 Indo-Pak war for their supreme sacrifices in the defence of the country and subsequent conflicts, particularly the war on terror.

Former Air Force officer Syed Nayyar Zaidi termed the day a symbol of enduring display of national unity, indomitable spirit and unmatched sacrifices by the gallant soldiers who proved to the world that the country's defence was impregnable.

"Our martyrs and ghazis are our heroes and the nation owes them gratitude and respect," he said, adding that the Pakistani nation will never abandon the Kashmiri people in these tough times.

Balochistan to celebrate Defence Day with enthusiasm

He said the hearts of Pakistanis and Kashmiris beat together and that they were ready to render any sacrifice for the people of Kashmir.

Syed Ashraf Ali Shah, a social and political activist said this Defence Day is a day to pledge that the Pakistani nation would always remember the sacrifices of its armed forces.

Military exhibits at the National Ayub Park Museum in Rawalpindi attracted a large crowd, especially of youngsters. Some tried to clamber over the parked tanks, helicopters and single-engine planes while others posed in front of them for a quick selfie.

Elsewhere in Rawalpindi, the district administration organised events and ceremonies to mark the day.

The Rescue 1122 organised a ceremony to pay tribute to its martyrs. A smartly turned out contingent of Rescue 1122 workers paid tribute to the martyred rescuer Zubair Lodhi by presenting salute. Lodhi had lost his life while trying to put out the fire in Ghaghar Plaza located in the Saddar area of the garrison city in 2008.

Remembering martyrs in Jhelum

In Jhelum, floral wreaths were laid at the Yadgaar-e-Shuhda (martyrs’ monument) of Major Muhammad Akbar, a Nishan-e-Haider recipient.

Jhelum Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rao Pervaiz Akhtar and other district officials along with Garrison Officer Major General Shahid Imtiaz laid the wreaths as a smartly-turned-out contingent of the Army presented salute to pay homage to the martyr.

Major General Imtiaz paid tribute to all martyrs of the army and expressed that the nation had given far more sacrifices. He said that the Pakistan Army was standing shoulder to shoulder with the people.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2020.