The nation is commemorating the 53rd Defence Day to pay tribute to the martyrs and ghazis of the 1965 war.
On September 6, 1965, Indian forces launched a surprise attack on Pakistan and crossed the border international border under the cover of darkness.
The day dawned with a thirty-one gun salute in the federal capital and twenty-one gun salutes in provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered after dawn prayers in mosques for the progress and prosperity of the country. Recitation of fateha and Quran khawani was also held for the martyrs.
The main celebration will held at General Headquarters Rawalpindi (GHQ) from 8 pm to 10 pm to pay tribute to the martyrs and express gratitude to their families. Prime Minister Imran Khan will be chief guest on the occasion.
The ceremony will be attended by the chief of the army staff, chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, all services chiefs and senior government and diplomatic functionaries and civilians.
Special ceremony held at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad
In connection with Defence Day, Pakistan Navy also organised a special ceremony at Naval Headquarters, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Kaleem Shaukat was the chief guest.
On the occasion, a message by the naval chief was also read out which highlighted the role played by Pakistan Navy during the 1965 war. Admiral Shaukat also laid a floral wreath at the martyrs’ monument.
Change of guard ceremony held at Mazar-e-Iqbal, Lahore
In Lahore, a change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Garrison Commander Major General Muhammad Aamir laid a floral wreath on behalf of the army chief at the Iqbal’s mausoleum and offered fateha.
Change of Guard ceremony at Mazar-e-Quaid, Karachi
In Karachi, a change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid. During the ceremony, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force assumed the guard duties.
Contingents of the three armed services will also visit the mausoleum of the father of the nation and lay a floral wreath and offer prayers. Representatives of armed forces are also visiting the families of martyrs to express solidarity with them and to pay tribute to the sacrifice of their loved ones.
Guard of Honor presented at Mazar of Havaldar Lalik Jan Shaheed in GB
In Gilgit Baltistan, Commander Force Command Northern Area Major General Saqib Mehmood Malik la aid floral wreath at the mausoleum of Havaldar Lalik Jan in Ghizer. Jan was awarded the Nishan-Haider, the highest military award in the Pakistani armed forces.
