Defence and Martyrs Day is being observed across the country with patriotic zeal and zest to pay tribute to martyrs and Ghazis and reaffirm commitment to defend the motherland against all threats.
The day dawned with a 31-gun salute at the federal capital and a 21-gun salute at provincial capitals.
Special prayers will be offered in the mosques for the progress and prosperity of the country, and the independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir from the cruel clutches of India.
It was on this day in 1965 that the Indian forces crossed the international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan but the nation foiled nefarious designs of the enemy.
Fateha and Quran Khawani will also be held for the martyrs.
A smartly turned-out contingent of PAF Academy Asghar Khan will present the guard of honour and assume the ceremonial guard duties at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi.
It is a day of national unity and solidarity as the nation became victorious against all adversaries while strictly adhering to the national motto of Quaid’s golden principles: Faith, Unity and Discipline.
The border areas in Lahore, Sialkot and Sindh were attacked by the enemy on September 6, 1965. The battle continued till the time when the United Nations (UN) administered ceasefire was accepted by both sides on September 22, 1965. But during the course of action, our brave soldiers had not only defended its territory but had also protected the lives and homes of thousands of civilians. Therefore, the nation pays tribute to all those national heroes who had rendered their lives in line with their duties.
On Defence Day, a number of events and military parades are held across the country to project the cutting-edge technologies of military warfare. It is a day to showcase the military strength and newly developed weaponry while remembering the national heroes.
It is also reiterated on the day that the entire Pakistani nation along with its armed forces would spare no effort to protect the motherland. Pakistan and India have fought the 1965 war on the Kashmir issue but the issue has even still remained unresolved between the two countries.
