People, govt pay homage to armed forces

KARACHI:

Defence Day was marked with renewed commitment by the people and the government to stand with the armed forces and defeat the designs of the enemies of the nation on ground as well as in the digital realm.

A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force assumed guard duties at the mausoleum of the father of the nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on the occasion of Defence Day of Pakistan on Friday.

Air Marshal Shahryar Khan, Air Officer Commanding and Chief Guest at the ceremonial change of guards attended the event and laid a floral wreath at Mazar-e-Quaid.

A total of 74 PAF cadets, including 61 male and 13 female cadets, were deployed at the mausoleum for guard duties. Representatives from all three armed forces and the DG Rangers Sindh also visited Mazar-e-Quaid and laid floral wreaths.

Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori visited the Quaid's mausoleum, where a Pakistan Navy contingent presented a guard of honour. In his remarks to the media, Governor Tessori emphasised the ongoing challenges faced by the nation, including hostile forces spreading narratives of hatred and attempts to incite sectarian unrest in Karachi and linguistic tensions in Balochistan.

He urged national unity to counter these threats and highlighted the efforts of the army chief and other leaders to enhance the country's economy and security.

Corps Commander Karachi Lt Gen Babar Iftikhar HI (M) laid floral wreath at Mazar-e-Quaid and endorsed his comments in the guest book.

He participated in a special ceremony at the Martyr's Memorial in Malir Cantonment along with Governor Tesori. DG Rangers, IG Sindh and other participants also visited the martyrs' memorial and laid floral wreaths.

Corps Commander Karachi met families of martyrs at their residences. Corps Commander Karachi met the family members of Brigadier Hussain Shaheed and Havaldar Azam Shaheed.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in his message on Defence Day said, "We always remember our martyrs. We are a resilient nation, and Pakistan will endure forever."

Paying tribute to the great sacrifices of the armed forces, the Chief Minister said that on September 6, 1965, our forces not only bravely confronted the enemy but also repelled them. "We commemorate this day every year with great reverence and enthusiasm," he added.

Showing opposition to the entire military institution for the actions of few individuals is tantamount to supporting the terrorists fighting with the state of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, its people and armed forces, said Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani on Friday.

"It was high time to get rid of the mentality in the country showing sentiments against the Pakistani armed forces," he said at a progrmme conducted by the Sindh Information Department to mark the Defence Day of Pakistan.

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon in his message said September 6 is not just a date; it symbolizes resistance, national unity, and unwavering spirit. On this day, our forces stood as an unbreakable wall against the enemy's ambitions.

He stated that the ongoing war against terrorism and the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives for peace and stability in the region cannot be forgotten.