Islamabad/Lahore/Karachi (September 6, 2017): Defence Day of Pakistan marking the 52nd anniversary of the 1965 war celebrated with traditional fervour and solemnity across the country on Wednesday.
The day began with special prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, followed by the change of guards ceremonies at the mausoleums of Allama Iqbal in Lahore and Quaid-i-Azam in Karachi, and a ceremony at the Pakistan Navy headquarters in Islamabad.
It was on this day in 1965 when Indian forces crossed international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan but the nation foiled nefarious designs of the enemy.
Special prayers were offered after fajr in mosques for progress and prosperity of the country. Fateha and Quran Khawani was also held for the martyrs.
Main Ceremony at GHQ
Main function of the day held at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to pay tribute to the martyrs.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and former army chief Raheel Sharif are in attendance at the ceremony.
Also present at the event are Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb. Prominent athletes and entertainers, including actor Humayun Saeed, are also attending the event.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, addressing a Defence Day ceremony called on the world to “do more” against terrorism.
“Despite all our efforts, our countless sacrifice and over two decades of war, we are being told that we have not done enough against terrorism,” the army chief said.
“If Pakistan has not done enough in this war, then no country in the world has done anything,” army chief told the world
“Only Pakistan has seen this level of success with such limited resources. From Operation Sher Dil, to Rah-i-Rast, Rah-i-Nijat, Zarb-i-Azab and now Radd-ul-Fasaad, we have paid for each inch [of gains] with our blood.”
A short film showing the families of martyred soldiers remembering their sons left members of the audience in tears.
The emotional and traditional ceremony held at Wagah Border and attended by the people in large numbers.
ISLAMABAD
An impressive ceremony was held at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad this morning in connection with Defence of Pakistan Day.
Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Farrukh Ahmad was the chief guest on the occasion.
Floral wreath was laid at the memorial of martyrs and prayers offered for defence and security of Pakistan.
LAHORE
In Lahore, a simple but graceful ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal, in which Punjab Rangers assumed the charge of Mazar’s security.
Garrison Commander Lahore, Maj. Gen. Muhammad Aamir was the Chief Guest on the occasion, who laid a floral wreath and offered fateha at the national poet’s grave.
Former army chief retired Gen Raheel Sharif reached Lahore’s Miani Sahib graveyard, where he laid a floral wreath on the grave of his brother Maj Shabbir Sharif who lost his life during the 1971 war on Dec 6 in the Sulemanki Sector.
KARACHI
Main ceremony of change of guard was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi on Wednesday morning. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force took the charge of the guard duties.
Air Vice Marshal Imran Khalid was chief guest of the ceremony who laid floral wreath and offered fateha at the Mazar of father of the nation.
Traditional national salute was also presented to the father of the nation by the cadets of the Pakistan Air Force.
Addressing a ceremony arranged by Pakistan Air Force at Masroor base in Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said Pakistan Air Force has always played an important role in all the operations.
He said current wave of the terrorism is challenge for us which will be dealt with iron hands.
Meanwhile, an exhibition in connection with defence day has also been arranged at Malir Cantt.
GILGIT-BALTISTAN
In Gilgit-Baltistan, a function was held at the tomb of Havaldar Lalak Jan shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider at Hundur in Ghizer .
Commander, Force Command Northern Area Major General Saqib Mehmood Malik laid floral wreath at the Mazar and offered Fateha.
A contingent of Northern Light Infantry Regiment presented guard of honour at the Mazar.
AZAD KASHMIR
Functions, seminars and rallies are also being organized in Azad Kashmir to highlight the significance of the day.
Message from President Mamnoon Hussain
On the occasion President Mamnoon Hussain said September 6 was a memorable day in national calendar when the people of Pakistan demonstrated unprecedented national unity and stood by the valiant armed forces to thwart a serious aggression by the enemy.
“We pay homage to all those sons and daughters of the soil who laid down their lives and endured the vagaries of war in defending the motherland,” he said.
Message from PM Abbasi
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, in his message to the nation on Defence Day said, today’s Pakistan, by the grace of Almighty Allah, is much stronger and its defence is impregnable. “The entire nation is inspired by patriotism; and our new generation is more enthused than ever. The citizens stand shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces,” he added.
Message from Speaker NA
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that the whole nation stood united alongside defence forces to foil conspiracies of the enemies to destabilize Pakistan. “Today Pakistan is confronted with multiple security challenges in the shape of extremism, terrorism and external aggression, but the entire nation stands alongside Pakistan Defence Forces to thwart evil designs against integrity and prosperity of Pakistan,” he said.
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