A quiet and austere Defence Day

The Defence Day of Pakistan celebrations in Lahore Garrison were visibly low key.

LAHORE: The Defence Day of Pakistan celebrations in Lahore Garrison to commemorate the heroism of the Pakistan Army during the 1965 war were visibly low key.

The day-long remembrance started with Quran khawani, with special prayers being offered for the sovereignty and security of Pakistan after Fajr prayers. The day dawned with the hoisting of the national flag at all formation headquarters, units and army installations.

A change-of-guards ceremony was held at Mazar-i-Iqbal. The ceremony was attended by civil and military officials. Garrison Commander, Major General Mazhar Jamil laid a floral wreath at the tomb and offered fateha. A contingent of Pakistan Rangers presented the salute.

A special ceremony was also held at the grave of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed, Nishan-i-Haider. General Officer Commanding, Major General Azeem Asif along with the family of the martyr laid a floral wreath and offered fateha at his grave. A Frontier Force regiment contingent presented the salute.  Visitors paid their respect to the war hero throughout the day.

A similar ceremony was held at the Army Graveyard where floral wreaths were laid on the graves of Brigadier Ahsan Rashid Shami Shaheed, Hilal-i-Jurat and other martyrs.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2010.