Pakistan observes Defence and Martyrs Day to honour 1965 War heroes

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan is observing Defence and Martyrs Day today (Sunday) to honour the country’s martyrs and Ghazis and to renew its determination to protect the homeland from all forms of threats.

The day commemorates September 6, 1965, when Indian troops launched an attack after crossing the international border under the cover of darkness.

Pakistan’s armed forces, supported by the nation, successfully resisted the offensive and foiled the enemy’s plans.

The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in the Federal Capital, while 21-gun salutes were fired in the provincial capitals.

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.

In Karachi, a solemn Change of Guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid this morning as part of the Defence and Martyrs Day observances.

A smartly turned out contingent of 64 male and 8 female cadets from Pakistan Air Force Academy, Asghar Khan assumed the guard duties at mausoleum.

Air Vice Marshal Hassan Faisal, Air Officer Commanding Pakistan Air Force Academy Asghar Khan, attended the ceremony as the chief guest.

A ceremony was held with due solemnity at Malir Garrison honouring those who laid down their lives for the country.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah attended the ceremony alongside the Karachi Corps Commander and senior representatives of the Sindh Rangers and police.

The Sindh CM and Karachi Corps Commander laid floral wreaths at the Martyrs’ Monument, offered Fateha and prayed for the souls of the fallen.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a guard of honour at the Martyrs’ Monument.

The Sindh CM and Corps Commander Karachi subsequently met the families of the martyrs and expressed their respect for the extraordinary sacrifices made by their loved ones in protecting the homeland.

In Balochistan, the main Defence and Martyrs’ Day event was held At Quetta Garrison where the Governor and Chief Minister of Balochistan, the Corps Commander and other senior civil and military officials were in attendance.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a salute at the Martyrs’ Monument in Quetta, while civil and military representatives laid floral wreaths and offered Fateha in remembrance of the martyrs.

Meanwhile, Gwadar was adorned with banners carrying messages of national determination, sacrifice, resilience and bravery as part of the Defence and Martyrs’ Day observances.

The Frontier Corps Balochistan also held a special ceremony to honour the martyrs and recognise the immense sacrifices they made for the country.

Across Balochistan, people voiced their devotion to the homeland and paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs whose sacrifices helped safeguard Pakistan.

Ceremonies were also held across Punjab to mark Defence and Martyrs’ Day and remember the brave men who laid down their lives while safeguarding the country.

At Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore, a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Rangers Punjab presented a guard of honour.

The Corps Commander Lahore paid his respects by placing a floral wreath at the mausoleum and offering Fateha for the martyrs.

Special prayers were offered on the occasion for Pakistan’s safety, stability, advancement and prosperity. Participants also prayed for the departed martyrs and sought a higher place for them in the hereafter.

In Multan, a Pakistan Army contingent honoured the fallen soldiers at the Martyrs’ Memorial with a formal salute. The Commander Southern Command also visited the memorial, where he laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha.

Similar events were organised in Rawalpindi and Gujranwala. Pakistan Army contingents at both locations performed ceremonial salutes, while floral wreaths were laid at the Martyrs’ Memorials to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

A commemorative ceremony was also organised at the Martyrs’ Memorial in Bahawalpur, where an Army contingent presented a ceremonial salute in honour of the fallen heroes.

The events were attended by senior military commanders, civil administration representatives, serving soldiers and other prominent figures.

The participants paid tribute to the martyrs and expressed their support for the families who continue to bear the loss of their loved ones.

Defence and Martyrs’ Day observances also took place in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to honour the brave martyrs and Ghazis of the Pakistan Army who made sacrifices in the service of the nation.

A dignified ceremony was held at the Martyrs’ Memorial in Peshawar, bringing together senior army officers, officials from the civil administration, military personnel and other distinguished guests.

Senior military officers placed floral wreaths at the memorial and prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs.

A smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Army also participated in the ceremony and presented a ceremonial salute as a mark of respect.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) also observed Defence and Martyrs’ Day with a solemn ceremony at the Martyrs’ Memorial in Muzaffarabad where the nation’s fallen heroes were remembered with respect and honour.

A smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Army presented a guard of honour at the memorial.

AJK Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani, accompanied by senior military commanders and civil administration officials, arrived at the memorial to pay homage to the martyrs.

The prime minister placed a floral wreath at the memorial and joined in Fateha to pray for the departed souls.

The visitors also prayed for the ceremony also prayed for the security, progress and prosperity of Pakistan and AJK, while seeking Allah’s blessings and higher ranks in the hereafter for the martyrs.

Meanwhile, state-owned and private television and radio channels are airing special transmissions and programmes highlighting the contributions of those who have defended the motherland.

The observance of Defence and Martyrs Day offers an opportunity for the nation to revisit the courage shown during the 1965 war and remember the strong sense of unity that brought people together during those difficult days.