ISLAMABAD: The nation Sunday celebrated the 50th Defence Day with national zeal and fervour and paid homage to the martyrs who rendered supreme sacrifices while defending the motherland.
On 6th September 1965 Pakistan’s valiant armed forces and the entire nation stood united to foil the nefarious designs of the enemy that had dared cast an evil eye on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.
The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered in mosques for the progress and prosperity of the nation.
Tribute was paid to the martyrs of the 1965 war by observing one-minute silence at 9:29 am. The aim of observing silence was to convey a message of unity in defending the motherland.
This was followed by the airing of national anthem by all broadcasting networks at 9:30am.
Fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force presented a splendid fly past in a ceremony held at the Air Headquarters here.
JF-17s, F16s, Mirage, Super Mashak and Sherdils presented aerobatic maneuvers amid cheers and clapping of spectators.
Helicopters of the Pakistan Army Aviation also participated in the fly past.
Personnel of Special Services Groups (SSG) displayed a breathtaking show of para trooping while carrying national flags.
Numerous functions were held across the country to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Defence Day.
The civil society was also actively taking part in these programmes to highlight the strong commitment of the nation and the armed forces to defend the motherland in the face of aggression by India. Defence Day was also celebrated in Gilgit-Baltistan with traditional zeal and fervor. In Gilgit, the main function was held at the Corps Headquarters Force Command Northern Areas.
The 50th Defence Day of Pakistan was also celebrated in Azad Jammu and Kashmir with enthusiasm and fervor. In Muzaffarabad the main function to pay homage to martyrs was held at the
Neelum Stadium.
Army officers and people from various walks of life also visited the grave of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed in Lahore and paid tribute to him.
Pakistan Army organized a befitting ceremony at the tomb of this brave officer in Miani Sahib Graveyard which was attended by Major General Fida Hussain Malik and a large number of citizens.
Millions of Pakistanis exchanged SMSs and also used other communication means to celebrate the Defence Day.
The most common messages shared on Happy Defence Day were “Hum Log Hain Pakistani”, “Lehrao parcham apna”, “Ab dil main yahi hai thaani”, “Pray for all martyrdom of 1965 war”, “We love our army and Pakistan”, “Pakistani Fouj Ko Salam”, “Pakistan Zindabaad” and many more.
Defence Day messages were also shared on free social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter and messaging apps like Whatsapp, Viber, Skype, IMO, Talkray and many others.
The residents of Islamabad poured out of their houses and rushed to the rooftops to witness the air show of brave pilots and paratroopers of the Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group.
Fatima Jinnah Park, which was the main place for September 6 event, also attracted a big crowd including women, children and people belonging to all shades of life to cheer their valiant troops. Most of women and children were holding small flags showing their solidarity with the army and expressing patriotism with the martyrs and motherland.