KARACHI: Karachiites on Sunday celebrated the country's 55th Defence Day to pay homage to the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in the war with India in 1965.
As the day dawned special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the country and freedom of occupied Kashmiri Muslims from the cruel clutches of India.
The main event of the day, change of guard ceremony was held at the Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the father of the nation, in which a smartly turned out cadets of the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) Asghar Khan Academy assumed the ceremonial guard duties at the mausoleum.
Air Vice Marshal Shakeel Ghazanfar was the chief guest on the occasion. The guest offered Fateha and laid wreath at Mazar-e-Quaid.
Pakistan Navy, the Paramilitary Rangers, Police, government and private organisations etc. also celebrated Defence Day with zeal & fervour to commemorate sacrifices of Shuhada, Ghazis & national heroes.
Floral wreath laying ceremonies were held at the graves of soldiers and officers martyred over the years.
Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi said, "We commemorate this day to honour the martyrs of the 1965 war & the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces to defend our homeland. We pay homage to the nation for its unity & spirit to support our fighting men & women in times of crisis."
In his message in connection with the day, the PPP Chairman said that those who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty and those who fell victim to the onslaught of extremism and terrorism, are the heroes of our nation and they would remain alive in the memories of future generations.
Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif said, "Freedom is a precious asset that can be defended by building unity & working together in the pursuit of national objectives. While we pay homage to our Shuhada & Ghazis today, we must invoke the spirit of sacrifice & national cohesion that marked this Day to take Pakistan forward."
Television and radio channels broadcast special programmes and newspapers published special editions to pay tributes to the heroes of the 1965 war.
Pakistan Cricket Stalwarts Muhammad Hafeez took to twitter paying salute to all Pakistani Armed Forces, and Martyrs to keep Pakistan higher on this day in 1965. Fast bowler Wahab Riaz said the whole nation salutes our brave heroes, all the armed forces and martyrs who sacrificed to defend our homeland. This day is a reminder of bravery, unity and faith on the almighty.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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