ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is observing Defence and Martyrs’ Day on Tuesday to pay homage to the nation’s martyrs and victors and to reaffirm its dedication to defend the motherland against all threats.
Prayers had been provided nationwide after daybreak today for the country’s progress and prosperity and for the independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) from India.
On September 6, 1965, Indian forces crossed the international border in the darkness of night to launch an attack on Pakistan. However, the nation managed to beat back the Indian attacks.
On the event, President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued separate messages, remembering September 6 as a symbol of courage, a display of unmatched resilience and the spirit of supreme sacrifice by the valiant sons of the soil.
Of their messages, the head of state and the premier lauded Pakistan’s armed forces for fighting fearlessly to safeguard the nation in testing times, and also saluted each citizen that stepped forward to defend their homeland.
Referencing Pakistan’s success in the two-decade-long war on terror, they acknowledged that the armed forces’ contribution to peace missions throughout the globe, and the recognition it receives from the international community due to it, is a matter of great pride for the nation.
The president and the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to peace and stated the nation will proceed to observe its coverage of peaceable coexistence.
However, they said on the same time, our desire for peace must not be misconstrued as our weakness, adding that we’re properly conscious of our national as well as worldwide obligations.
Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa stated the day “symbolises the unwavering resolve of Pakistan’s armed forces backed by the great Pakistan nation to defend the motherland against all odds”.
He added, that Pakistan salutes our heroes. “We owe our freedom and peace to unprecedented sacrifices of martyrs to maintain the flag excessive,” he stated in his assertion posted on DG ISPR’s Twitter.
Defence and Martyrs Day celebrations
Defence and Martyrs’ Day was observed across the country with national zeal and fervor.
A graceful wreath-laying ceremony was organised at Mazar-e-Iqbal, Garrison Commander Major General Muhammad Shahbaz Khan offered fateha and paid his respects to the great poet and philosopher.
General Officer Commanding Major General Malik Muhammad Amir Khan also laid a floral wreath at Major Shabir Sharif Shaheed’s (Nishan-e-Haider) grave to pay homage on Defence Day at Lahore Miani Sahib Graveyard.
A lot of serving and retired army officers attended the ceremony. Family members of Major Shabbir Shareef Shaheed had been also present at the event.
Major Shabir Sharif is the one Pakistan Army officer who received both the Nishan-e-Haider and Sitara-e-Jurat for his bravery.
