Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana has said that Defence Day is a day to remember the bravery, steadfastness and sacrifices of the martyrs in September 1965 war. He was addressing at inaugural ceremony of an exhibition on the occasion of Defence Day at Lahore Air Force Base on Tuesday.
The governor said "whole nation salute to our brave armed forces. We all have to play our individual role for internal-external protection of the country." He said Pakistan armed forces had witnessed commendable success in the operation Zarb-e-Azb and the nation paid rich tribute to brave and heroic personnel of armed forces.
The governor said "our brave armed forces had given a clear message to the enemy about the independence of the country on September 6 in 1965". He said the nation was proud of its armed forces that rendered great sacrifices for safeguarding the motherland in the 1965 war. "We have attained self-reliance in production of advanced weapons," he said.
During the ceremony, fighter jets presented air show. A static display was arranged at PAF Base, whereas an aerial display by PAF fighter jets enthralled the visitors. Ultra light and aero-modelling aircraft display was also source of enthusiasm for the spectators.
The PAF aircraft including JF-Q7 Thunder, F-16 Mirage and F-7P, in addition to ground support and other auxiliary equipments were put on display. Stalls include Pakistan Air Force Women Association, PAF Books, Aviation Art Gallery, Historical War Pictures and other souvenirs and documentary films about the PAF history were also shown.
The students from various educational institutes of the city were also invited to witness the aerial and ground display of the PAF aircraft and equipment. Air Officer Commanding, Central Air Command, PAF Air Vice Marshal Jawad Saeed also spoke on the occasion and Base Commander PAF Base Lahore Air Commodore Salman Mehboob, a large number of retired PAF Officers, JCOs, NCOs and airmen of PAF civil/military officers and other dignitaries also attended the event.