Defence day of Pakistan was celebrated with national spirit and usual enthusiasm in Sialkot, Daska, Pasrur and Sambrial Tehsils of Sialkot district on Friday. 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. 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 Corporation. Station Commander Sialkot Brig Ayaz Masood Khan, Provincial Minister for Special Education Ch. Muhammad Akhlaq jointly unfurled the Hilal-e-Istiqlal flag on Jinnah hall in a colourful ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion the Station Commander said that there was a great need of demonstrating the spirit of 1965 war for defeating anti-state elements and to bringing out the country out of crises. At this juncture unity had become more imperative for the solidarity of the country and under the prevailing situation collective efforts are direly needed for forging unity among the ranks to cope with the challenges confronted to Pakistan he said.
Speaking on the occasion The Provincial Minister for Special Education Ch. Muhammad Akhlaq paid rich tributes to Armed Forces of Pakistan and people of Sialkot for demonstrating courage during 1965 war. He stressed upon the people that they should forge unity among their ranks defecting the enemies of Pakistan as well as purging the country from menace of terrorism.
People belonging to various walks of life including exporters, members of civil society, journalists and political leaders attended the flag hoisting ceremony. Several educational, cultural and literary bodies are holding colorful programmes in accordance with the significance of the day.
A large number people are visiting graves of Shuhada in Chawinda and Khanawali where the biggest tank battle was fought after 2nd world war. It may be added that Khanawali was remembered as graveyard of Indian tanks.