ISLAMABAD
\nDefence and Martyrs Day was observed Wednesday across Pakistan to pay tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis of 1965 war with a renewed commitment to defend the motherland against all threats.
\nIt was on this day in 1965 that the Indian forces crossed international border to attack Pakistan, but our valiant armed forces, backed by the entire nation, foiled nefarious designs of the enemy.
\nThe day dawned with 31-gun salute at the Federal Capital and 21-gun salute at provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered after Fajr prayers in mosques for the progress and prosperity of the country and independence of Indian illegally Occupied and Kashmir. Fateha Khawani and Quran Khawani were also held for the martyrs.
\nA graceful change of guards ceremony was held at Mazar-i-Quaid in Karachi Wednesday morning. The cadets of Pakistan Air Force Academy Asghar Khan assumed charge at the Mazar. Air Officer Commanding PAF Academy Air vice Marshal Ghazanfar Latif was the chief guest on the occasion.
\nA change of guards ceremony was also held at Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore on Wednesday to mark the Defence and Martyrs Day. The Corps Commander Lahore was the chief quest who laid a floral wreath at the Mazar and also offered Fateh Khawani.
\nPresident Dr Arif Alvi and Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar have said that amidst Pakistan facing mul\u00adtiple security challenges of extremism, terrorism and external aggression, the entire nation stood united alongside the Pakistan de\u00adfence forces to thwart evil designs against the integ\u00adrity and prosperity of the country.
\n\u201cThe world also acknowledges the role our Armed Forces played in maintaining peace in var\u00adious countries under the United Nations peacekeep\u00ading missions. We are com\u00admitted to following the pol\u00adicy of peace as a hallmark of our foreign policy,\u201d the prime minister said in his message to the nation on the Defence Day.
\nHe said the Defence Day was remembered as the day of vigour, bravery, cour\u00adage and resilience. It stood out in history as a symbol of national pride, integri\u00adty and sovereignty, he add\u00aded. He said the defence of the country was not limited to September 6 alone, rath\u00ader stretched upon an entire lifetime and encompassed all dimensions of physical and ideological frontiers, which needed to be guard\u00aded.
\nHe said today, when Pakistan is confronted with multiple security challenges in the shape of extremism, terrorism and external aggression, the entire nation stands united alongside their defence corces, to thwart evil designs against the integrity and prosperity of Pakistan.
\nCJCSC, Services Chiefs pay tribute to martyrs
\nThe Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), Services Chiefs and Armed Forces of the country paid rich tribute to Martyrs, their families and war veterans on the 58th Defence and Martyrs\u2019 Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
\nAccording to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the country\u2019s military leadership in it\u2019s message said that on 6th September 1965, it was yet again displayed that a smaller but righteous force overcame a numerically larger enemy with professionalism, determination and faith.
\n\u201cIndeed this day and associated heroics and sacrifices continue to inspire our generations. The day exudes the spirit of unity and sacrifice in the defence of our motherland,\u201d the ISPR said.
\n\u201cWe owe our freedom & peace to the unprecedented sacrifices of our martyrs and veterans. Pakistan Armed Forces remain committed to ensuring the defence of the motherland against all internal and external threats. Hostile efforts to spoil the hard-earned peace will be met with the full might of the Armed Forces, backed with the support and resolve of the people of Pakistan, Insha Allah,\u201d it added.
\nPunjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid a glowing tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs in his message on Defense Day. \u201cSeptember 6 is a memorable day in our defence history,\u201d he said. \u201cA day like September 6 can never be forgotten. On this day, a clear message was given to the world that Pakistan has the ability to respond to any kind of aggression,\u201d he added.
\n\u201cThe enemy attacked in the dark of night to capture Lahore. The whole world then witnessed that the Armed Forces of Pakistan repulsed the enemy with unparalleled bravery,\u201d he stated. \u201cNations win wars not with weapons but with faith and courage,\u201d he pointed out.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD Defence and Martyrs Day was observed Wednesday across Pakistan to pay tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis of 1965 war with a renewed commitment to defend the motherland against all threats. It was on this day in 1965 that the Indian forces crossed international border to attack Pakistan, but our valiant armed forces, backed […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":354275,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-354261","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n