Islamabad: Defence and Martyrs Day is being observed across Pakistan today to pay tribute to the country’s martyrs and Ghazis, and to reaffirm the national commitment to defend the motherland against all threats.
The observance marks the events of 6 September 1965, when Indian forces crossed the international border during the night to launch an attack on Pakistan, an action that was foiled by national defense forces.
Official proceedings began in the morning with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital, Islamabad, and 21-gun salutes in the provincial capitals. Following Fajr prayers, special prayers were offered in mosques across the country for national progress and prosperity, as well as for the independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. State broadcaster Radio Pakistan is airing special programming throughout the day to commemorate the country's defenders.
In Karachi, a change of guard ceremony took place at Mazar-e-Quaid. A contingent of 72 male cadets and eight female cadets from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Academy, Asghar Khan, assumed guard duties at the mausoleum. Air Vice Marshal Hassan Faisal, Air Officer Commanding of the PAF Academy Asghar Khan, attended the event as the chief guest.
Alongside the national commemorations, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif issued statements commending security forces for ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. Both leaders commended security operations that eliminated Khwarij terrorists across various districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
President Zardari noted the professional capabilities of the security forces in preventing attempts by Khawarij elements to infiltrate Pakistan from across the Afghan border. Reaffirming that border defense and the complete elimination of terrorism remain top state priorities, the president urged the interim Afghan government to ensure its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks against Pakistan.
Prime Minister Sharif praised the security forces and law enforcement agencies for eliminating foreign-backed terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Khwarij during intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Stating that the nation stands with its security forces, the prime minister affirmed that operations under the "Azm-e-Istehkam" vision will continue until foreign-backed terrorism is entirely eradicated from Pakistani soil.
