Remembering sacrifices: Nation pays tribute to martyrs on Defence Day

ISLAMABAD:

Defence Day was observed across the country on Saturday with traditional zeal and fervour to pay homage to the martyrs and ‘Ghazis’ who rendered sacrifices in defence of the country.

The day began with the change of guard ceremonies at the mausoleums of the Quaid-e-Azam in Karachi and Allama Iqbal in Lahore. A smartly turned out contingent of Risalpur PAF Academy took over the duty of guards at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam in Karachi. Wreaths were laid on the Mazar followed by Fateha prayers.

In Lahore, Punjab Rangers assumed the duty of guards at the Mazar-e-Iqbal. Garrison Commander Major General Amir Abbasi visited the shrine, offered Fateha and laid a wreath. A ceremony was also held at the Lahore Ranger Headquarters in which senior officers laid wreaths on the monument of the martyrs.

There was a huge turnout for the flag lowering ceremony at the Wagah Border. Special prayers were also held at mosques across the country for the martyrs and for national unity.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2014.