Lahoris observed Defence Day on Saturday with traditional fervour.
The day is celebrated across the country to honour the sacrifices in the 1965 Pakistan-India war.
Women Development Minister Hameeda Wahidud Din said the nation will never forget the sacrifices rendered by the armed forces. She said the day was special for her as it marked an event where the national army had managed to defeat a numerically superior enemy. Din said those slain had sacrifices their lives to ensure that the future generations of Pakistanis could live in peace and prosperity. She praised the armed forces for the soldiers’ exemplary valour.
Celebrations across the city commenced with the recitation of Holy Quran. Special prayers were offered for the prosperity and integrity of Pakistan after Fajr prayers. The national flag was hoisted in formation headquarters, units and army installations.
A ceremony was held at the tomb of Allama Iqbal to pay tribute to the national poet. Several military and civilian officials were present on the occasion. Garrison Commander Major General Amir Abbasi placed a floral wreath on Iqbal’s grave during the ceremony. A change of guard ceremony was also held at Mazar-i-Iqbal. Scores of people visited the Martyrs’ Monument at Batapur and paid their respects to fallen soldiers.
A ceremony was also held at the grave of Major Shabbir Sharif who was awarded the Nishan-i-Haider for gallantry. General Officer Commanding Major General Fida Hussain Malik placed a floral wreath at the grave. citizens continued visiting the grave throughout the day to pay homage to the soldier.
Similar ceremonies were held at the Army Graveyard and Kasur’s Gunj-i-Shuhada.
Provincial Assembly Member (MPA) Raza Ali Gillani said September 6 was an epoch-making day in the history of Pakistan. He said the armed forces had confronted an enemy four times its size with fortitude. Gillani said the nation would always remain indebted to the armed forces for their sacrifices.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, MPA Hina Butt paid homage to the sacrifices of fallen soldiers on Defence Day. Butt praised soldiers securing the national frontiers and commended their selflessness. She said the armed forces had always strived to raise Pakistan’s stature internationally.
Aliya Khan, a lawyer, said the nation should take this opportunity to remember the sacrifices of soldiers martyred during the war. She said that a conscious effort should be made to honour the selflessness of those who guard Pakistan’s frontiers and place their own lives at risk to protect their fellow citizens.
Usman Akbar, a resident of Misri Shah, said that the day was an opportunity to pay tribute to the sacrifices of those martyred during the 1965 war.
He said that he saluted their memory. Akbar said they had sacrificed their lives to ensure that their countrymen lived to see a better tomorrow.
Foha Raza said that the army was a diligent and efficient national institution. She praised the valour of the armed forces.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 7th, 2014.
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