Defence Day of Pakistan was celebrated in a befitting manner on all PAF bases throughout the country on Monday.
The auspicious day was observed with a renewed pledge and determination to make "Fizaia" more stronger and potent force to face any challenge.
The day dawned with special Du'a and Quran Khawani for the martyrs of the 1965 War. A special feature of the day was the change of guards' ceremony at the Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam in Karachi.
Aviation cadets from Pakistan Air Force Academy Risalpur assumed guard duties at the Mazar to honour the traditions set 57 years ago when the Father of the Nation visited Risalpur. This was the only military academy to be visited by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
After the aviation cadets had assumed guard duties, Air Vice Marshal Abdus Sami Toor, Air Officer Commanding PAF Academy, Risalpur offered Fateha and laid floral wreath to honour the Father of the Nation.
In the morning a PAF contingent led by Air Vice Marshal M. Ateeb Siddiqui, Air Officer Commanding Southern Air Commands offered "Fateha" and laid floral wreath on behalf of Chief of the Air Staff at the grave of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas (Shaheed), Nishan-e-Haider.
In his message on the Defence Day, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Sadat said, "Pakistan Air Force is fully committed to ensure the defence of our national air space. Focused efforts are on at all levels to conserve our critical inventories and draw the best from the available resources.
We are also in the process of inducting new fighter aircraft and equipment to augment our capabilities. By the grace of Allah, our officers, airmen and civilians are fully alive to the demand of their calling. Our air warriors will not be found wanting whenever they are called upon to guard our aerial frontiers."