Defence Day Celebrations
Today, Pakistan is observing Defence Day and Martyrs’ Day with immense national pride and patriotic zeal, commemorating the sacrifices made by the country’s armed forces to defend the homeland.
The main Defence Day event is scheduled to take place at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir is set to address the nation and pay homage to the martyrs.
Defence Day, marked annually on September 6th, is dedicated to honoring the soldiers and veterans who laid down their lives for Pakistan’s defense.
The day began with cannon salutes and special prayers in mosques across the country, invoking blessings for the martyrs who have guarded Pakistan’s frontiers. Special ceremonies are being held nationwide to pay tribute to these heroes.
A notable ceremony is currently underway at the Mazar-e-Quaid, the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of Pakistan, in Karachi. The ceremony includes the traditional changing of the guard, a solemn act that symbolizes vigilance and respect for the country’s founding father.
Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Khan is the special guest at the event. During the ceremony, 74 cadets from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Asghar Khan Academy, including 61 male and 13 female cadets, are taking over guard duties, showcasing their commitment and professionalism.
Earlier in the day, another special event took place at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad. Vice Admiral Owais Ahmed Bilgrami laid a floral wreath and offered prayers at the Martyrs’ Memorial, paying respects to the naval personnel who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s defense.
The central Defence Day and Martyrs’ Day ceremony will be held at the GHQ tonight at 8 pm, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be the chief guest. The ceremony will be attended by senior civil and military leaders, including Army Chief General Asim Munir.
Both the Prime Minister and the Army Chief are expected to lay wreaths at the Martyrs’ Memorial, followed by addresses to the assembled audience, highlighting the valor and dedication of the armed forces.
Defence Day also marks the anniversary of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s history. On September 6, 1965, Indian forces crossed the border near Lahore, aiming to capture strategic Pakistani territory.
However, the Pakistan Army swiftly launched a strong counter-offensive, halting the enemy’s advance and pushing them back across the border.
The victory is celebrated as a testament to the bravery and resilience of Pakistan’s armed forces, who thwarted the enemy’s aggressive ambitions and safeguarded the nation’s sovereignty.
In Lahore, a grand ceremony was also held at the mausoleum of Major Shabbir Sharif in Miani Sahab Cemetery. Major Shabbir Sharif, a celebrated war hero, received the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military honor, for his extraordinary bravery during the 1971 war.
Today’s celebrations across Pakistan serve as a powerful reminder of the nation’s enduring spirit, unity, and determination to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country.
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