Islamabad, Sept. 6 (TNS): The nation on Thursday celebrated Defence and Martyrs Day to pay tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis who became a rock solid wall to defend the motherland against aggression of enemy.
It was on this day in 1965 that Indian forces crossed international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan, but the nation foiled the nefarious designs of the enemy.
The day dawned with thirty-one gun salute in the Federal Capital and twenty-one gun salute in provincial capitals.
Special prayers were offered after Fajr prayers in mosques for progress and prosperity of the country.
Fateha and Quran Khawani was held for the martyrs.
In connection with the Defence and Martyrs Day, Pakistan Navy organized a special ceremony at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad on Thursday morning.
Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Kaleem Shaukat was the chief guest.
On the occasion, the message of the Naval Chief was also read out in which he highlighted the role played by Pakistan Navy in the war of 1965.
Admiral Kaleem Shaukat also laid floral wreath at the martyrs’ monument.
In Lahore, change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of great poet, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal on Thursday morning.
Garrison Commander, Major General Muhammad Aamir laid floral wreath on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff at the Mazar-e-Iqbal and offered Fateha.
Meanwhile, special ceremony to mark Defence Day was held at Fortress Stadium in Lahore under the aegis of Pakistan Army.
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar is the Chief Guest on the occasion.
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and Corps Commander Lahore Lt. Gen. Aamir Riaz, notables and people from all walks of life are attending the ceremony.
In Karachi, change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid on Thursday morning.
During the ceremony, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force assumed the guard duties.
The representatives of three armed services also visited the mazar of the father of the nation and lay floral wreath and offer fateha.
Representatives of armed forces are also visited the families of martyrs to express solidarity with them and to pay tribute for the sacrifice of their loved ones.
Director General of Sindh Rangers Major General Mohammad Saeed visited the Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam in Karachi today to pay homage to the father of the nation on the occasion of Defence Day.
In Peshawar, main function in connection with the Defence and Martyrs Day held at Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Stadium Peshawar.
Corps Commander Peshawar Lt. General Nazir Ahmed Butt is chief guest on the occasion.
Contingents of Armoured Corps, Infantry, Air Defence, Frontier Constabulary and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police are participating in the event.
Different kinds of weapons have been put on display.
In Gilgit Baltistan, Commander Force Command Northern Area Maj. Gen Saqib Mehmood Malik laid floral wreath at the Mazar of Havaldar Lalik Jan shaheed Nishan-haider at Hundur in Ghizer.
Guard of honor was also presented by a group of Pak Army soldiers.
