Defence and Martyrs Day observed with patriotic zeal

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan commemorated Defence and Martyrs Day on Saturday, honouring the heroes who laid down their lives and the Ghazis (veterans) who stood firm in the defence of the country.

This solemn occasion also serves as a reaffirmation of the nation's collective commitment to protect its sovereignty against any threat.

It was on this very day in 1965 when Indian forces launched an unprovoked attack by crossing the international border under the cover of darkness. In response, the Pakistani nation, united and resolute, successfully thwarted the aggression, turning back the enemy’s ambitions through remarkable courage and determination.

The day dawned with ceremonial gun salutes to mark the occasion—31-rounds fired in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in each of the provincial capitals.

Across the country, special prayers were offered in mosques for the prosperity and strength of Pakistan, as well as for the liberation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) from foreign occupation. Recitations of the Holy Quran and prayers for the departed souls of the martyrs are also being held.

President, PM and services chiefs hail armed forces’ valour

resident Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the chiefs of Pakistan’s armed forces paid homage to those who sacrificed their lives and to the veterans who stood valiantly in battle during the 1965 war.

In their respective messages, they described 6th September as a symbol of bravery, solidarity, and unwavering resolve.

President Zardari noted that the nation pays tribute to the armed forces and the resilient people of Pakistan, who have consistently defended the homeland with extraordinary faith and unmatched bravery.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, remembered the day sixty years ago when Pakistan's armed forces, fully backed by the public, repelled enemy aggression and showed the world that Pakistan remains steadfast in guarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, reaffirmed their pledge to uphold the sacred responsibility entrusted to them by the nation.