Islamabad (Islamabad): Defence and Martyrs' Day is being observed today with patriotic zeal and zest to pay tributes to the martyrs and Ghazis and reaffirm commitment to defend the motherland against all threats.
It was on this day in 1965 that the Indian forces crossed international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan but the nation foiled nefarious designs of the enemy.
This year's Defense and Martyrs' Day theme is "Our martyrs our pride, salute to all the relatives belonging to ghazis and Shaheeds.”
Special prayers were offered after Fajr in mosques for the progress and prosperity of the country and independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) from the cruel clutches of India.
The day dawned with 31 gun salute at the Federal Capital and 21 gun salute at provincial capitals.
In their separate messages on the occasion of Defence and Martyrs Day, President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan renewed the pledge that brave Pakistani nation will never compromise on its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
President Dr Arif Alvi said that Pakistan being fully cognizant of developments in its neighborhood is committed to securing peace and prepared to thwart any plot hatched to hamper peace.
He commended the security agencies for their relentless efforts towards exposing the enemy carrying out covert activities.
The president emphatically stated that Pakistan will never back away from its principled stand on the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
In his message on the occasion Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the gallant soldiers and officers, pilots and sailors fought bravely and did not care for their own lives and defended the frontiers by offering supreme sacrifice.
“India today stands exposed before the world community for its bid to hamper peace in the region, especially with reference to Pakistan,” PM Imran said.
The premier said due to his government’s proactive diplomacy, the international community is now convinced that the persecution of minorities across India and the atrocities unleashed on innocent Kashmiris in IIOJK must end forthwith.
Imran Khan said India will have to give Kashmiris their due right to self-determination, under the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions; sooner the better.
Meanwhile, an investiture ceremony of change of guard in connection with Defence and Martyrs’ Day was held at Quaid-i-Azam mausoleum in Karachi on Monday morning.
Air Officer Commanding Asghar Khan Academy Air Marshal Qaisar Khan Janjua was chief guest on this occasion.
The cadets of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) assumed the responsibility of guard at the mausoleum.