(Karachi) Defence and Martyrs Day is being observed today across the country with enthusiasm and devotion besides the renewal of the pledge to render all sacrifices to safeguard the geographical and ideological frontiers of the motherland.

The day dawned with 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals. The main event of the day was held at the General Headquarters, and was attended by serving and veteran miltiary officers and the families of the martyrs.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa visit the Martyrs monument and laid floral wreath and offered prayers.

Special prayers were also offered after Fajr prayers in mosques for the progress and prosperity of the country and independence of occupied Kashmir from the cruel clutches of India.

Meanwhile, at an investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Dr Arif Alvi will confer upon military awards to the officers and soldiers of the armed forces in recognition of their meritorious services to the nation.

A change of guard ceremony on the occasion of the Defence Day was held at Mazar-i-Quaid in Karachi on Sunday morning. A contingent of Pakistan Air Force cadets from Asghar Khan Academy assumed the responsibility of guards at the Mazar.

It was on this day in 1965 that the Indian forces crossed international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan but the nation foiled nefarious designs of the enemy.