Defence day of Pakistan was celebrated with national spirit and usual enthusiasm in Sialkot, Daska, Pasrur and Sambrial Tehsils of Sialkot district on Wednesday. The daylong programmes were started with special prayers for the unity, prosperity and solidarity of the country as well as early liberation of Indian held Kashmir in all mosques of the district. Special Quran Khawani was also held at various places for Shuhada who laid their lives in the defence of their motherland.
On this occasion Hilal-e-Istiqlal flag hoisting ceremony was held under auspices of Tehsil Municipal Administration Sialkot, Provincial Minister for Local Government and Community Development Khawaja Muhammad Mansha ullah Butt along with Station Commander Sialkot Brigadier Kamran Hayyat and elected representatives unfurled Hilal-e-Istiqlal flag on top of Jinnah hall in the presence of a large number of people. Speaking on the occasion Khawaja Muhammad Mansha Ullah Butt said that there was a great need of demonstrating the spirit of 1965 war for defeating anti-state elements and for stability and prosperity of the country.
At this juncture he said collective efforts were direly needed for forging unity among the ranks to cope with the challenges confronted to Pakistan he said. He paid rich tributes to armed forces of Pakistan and people of Sialkot demonstrating courage during 1965 war. The Minister urged upon the people that they should shun their difference for the larger national interests and work collectively for the betterment of the masses and country.
Hilal-e-Istiqlal flag was awarded to people of Sialkot on courage they demonstrated during 1965 war. Several educational, cultural and literary bodies are holding colourful programmes in accordance with the significance of the day. A large number of people visited graves of Shuhada in Chowinda and memorial of Shuhada in Khanawali where the biggest tank battle was fought after 2nd world war. In order to pay rich tributes to Shuhada special programmes were also held at Chawinda. A large number of people visited the graves of Shuhada offered Fateha and laid Flower wreaths on the graves of Shuhada.