Hyderabad turns out in force to salute defence heroes

Rallies, tributes and prayers held across city to honour armed forces and martyrs

HYDERABAD:

Hyderabad marked Defence Day with rallies, ceremonies and prayers across the city, as people from different walks of life paid tribute to Pakistan's armed forces and martyrs and reaffirmed their support for the country's defence and sovereignty.

The main Defence Day rally, organised by the district administration, was led by Additional Deputy Commissioner-II Hyderabad Mahwish Barro and began from the DC Office premises. Officers from various government departments, police personnel, Rescue 1122 officials, representatives of social organisations and citizens participated in the procession.

Participants carried banners and placards bearing photographs of armed forces' martyrs and chanted slogans in support of the Pakistan Army.

Addressing the rally, ADC-II Mahwish Barro said the armed forces had given a strong response to the enemy during the 1965 war and paid tribute to the sacrifices that had made Defence Day a significant part of Pakistan's national history.

She said the nation was able to live in freedom because of the sacrifices and efforts of the armed forces, adding that the entire nation stood behind them and would respond firmly to any aggression against Pakistan. Separate Defence Day rallies were also organised by the Pakistan Sunni Tehreek Hyderabad Division, led by its divisional president Abid Qadri, and by various trade and civil-society organisations. Rallies led by Auto Parts and Shoe Parts Dealers Association Chairman Syed Ali Hassan Lajpal, Central Peace Committee for Interfaith Harmony Pakistan representative Noor Muhammad Khoso and National Peace Committee for Interfaith Harmony representative Hussain Arbab culminated at Hyderabad Press Club.

Participants said Pakistan belonged to people of all ethnicities and faiths and stressed the importance of religious harmony, fraternity and patriotism. They said people of different religions enjoyed the freedom to observe their religious practices in the country.

Speakers also praised the armed forces for their role in defending Pakistan and contributing to international peace, saying the sacrifices made during the 1965 war would never be forgotten.

Social leader Muhammad Naveed Sheikh, in a separate statement, paid tribute to the martyrs and described September 6 as an unforgettable day in Pakistan's history, symbolising sacrifice, national unity and patriotism.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Lovers Organisation Hyderabad held a ceremony in Latifabad Unit 10 to honour the martyrs of Pakistan. Organisation Chairman Ashraf Baig, Vice Chairman Shakir Ali and others paid tribute to those who had sacrificed their lives for the country's defence and vowed that their sacrifices would always be remembered.

The ceremony concluded with a special prayer for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks and the peace, security and stability of Pakistan.