Rehearsals under way at Army Stadium Peshawar. PHOTOS : MUHAMMAD IQBAL/ EXPRESS
HANGU/ PARACHINAR/ CHARSADDA/ MARDAN: Just like other parts of the country, Defence Day will be observed in various districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the tribal areas on Sunday (today). However, this year the day will be celebrated with extra fervour as it is the 50th anniversary of the 1965 war heroics.
As with every other ceremony on September 6, the day will begin with 21-gun salutes followed by flag hoisting ceremonies.
Speaking to the media, the Pakistan Peoples’ Party Minorities Wing K-P president Pir Naseeb Chand said, “Minorities in the country stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the army to protect the country.”
Since Defence Day falls on a Sunday this year, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan held a celebratory event a day earlier. A seminar was arranged by the administration of the political science department.
At the same time, tribespeople, who have rendered tremendous sacrifices for the sake of peace, are also set for the festivities. Many streets of Parachinar, Kurram Agency have been decorated ahead of the day.
Also, an event was held in Charsadda where members of the Insaf Sports and Cultural Forum paid tribute to the heroes of the 1965 war. Forum leader Jehanzeb Dhakki said the country is in need of the same unity displayed 50 years ago. “If the people stand together, the enemies will not dare to advance.” Dhakki also announced an open invitation to an event organised by the forum at Abdara Chowk on University Road.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 6th, 2015.
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