KARACHI:
Various events were held across the metropolis and in districts of the province on Monday to commemorate Defence Day.
A change of guard ceremony was held at the Quaid’s Mazar, with cadets of the Pakistan Air Force assuming charge. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency paid homage to the martyrs of the 1965 war in separate events.
The day was commemorated in remembrance of the sacrifices rendered by the country’s armed forces. “On this day, the nation recognises the sacrifices of its brave soldiers, sailors and airmen, who defended the ideological and geographical boundaries of their motherland,” said Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, speaking on the occasion.
Wreath-laying and flag hoisting ceremonies were organised and Fateha was offered at the Martyrs’ Memorials at all Field Command Headquarters. Similar ceremonies were organised at the PMSA headquarters, where the sacrifices of martyrs of the war were honoured. Ships and buildings of the institution were also decorated with the national flag.
Meanwhile, the Special Security Unit (SSU) of the Sindh Police has released a national song ‘Jeevay Pakistan’ on the occasion. Elected representatives, politicians and others also issued statements on the day. “This great day reminds us of the bravery and unwavering determination of the three armed forces, who befittingly responded to conspiracies hatched by the enemy,” said Sindh government spokesperson and Karachi Administrator Murtaza Wahab.
The hawks of the Pakistan Air Force destroyed the enemy’s planes and the whole nation is proud of the victory of the 1965 war, he added. In a statement issued on the day, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail said that the determined nation of Pakistan and its armed forces are capable of protecting every inch of the country.
He said that the federal government is making untiring efforts to make the country a prosperous Islamic welfare state. Civil organisations, schools and varsities also organised events in honour of the day. Sindh Rangers DG Major General Iftikhar Hussain Chaudhry attended a ceremony held at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi to pay homage to the martyrs of 1965.
ACP Karachi President Ahmed Shah said that younger generations have not seen how this country came into being. “We may differ in ideologies, sects, and languages but we are united under the name of this country. We all should be grateful to the Almighty for this homeland and see how people who are living in nonsovereign states are being treated.”
*WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP
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