OPF girls college celebrates defence day of pakistan
Islamabad
To pay tribute to the armed forces personnel, who laid down life thwarting Indian attack in September 1965, the OPF Girls College, F-8/2 on Wednesday celebrated the 51st anniversary of the country’s Defence Day by organising a special ceremony.
After recitation from the Holy Quran, Principal Shahina Masood said September 6, 1965 was a milestone in the national history when Pakistan Army defended the homeland with unprecedented resolve and matchless bravery against the enemy’s aggression.
“We owe our heroes an eternal debt of gratitude, who sacrificed their lives for our tomorrow. We pledge to revive our ancestral spirit of patriotism, to pay tribute to the war veterans and the martyrs, who stood firm on the occasion of trial and tribulation. Their sacrifices heighten our spirit of love for the country and grant us courage to follow in their footsteps and strive hard for the sovereignty and dignity of our nation,” she said.
The principal said it was a matter of great honour for the college staff members that they’re engaged in the noble task of educating younger generation. “The importance of education is indeed unquestionable. It is the foundation stone for the uplifting of any nation. It is meant for the enlightenment of soul and moulding of character,” she said.
The principal prayed to Allah to give staff members the strength to equip students with knowledge to promote national integration and harmony and make the college a citadel of ideological social values.
Chairman of the OPF board of governors Barrister Amjad Malik, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said the Defence Day was an inspiring moment in the country’s history. “This day is remembered as the legacy of a shining victory which serves as a constant reminder of an act of valour and sacrifice by men of Pakistan’s armed forces to defend our country.
“Blinded by its numerical advantage and its modern military machine, India embarked on a provocative adventure on 6th September 1965 with the foul intention of de-spoiling our way of life and trampling our freedom. The lion hearted defenders fought back with the determination and forced a huge adventurist army and its regional ambitions to bite the dust,” he said.
Barrister Amjad said the history of the world was witness to the fact that the nations, which failed to defend themselves, ceased to exist, or were relegated to humiliation and slavery on their own soil.
He said the day reminded the current generation of the matchless sacrifices of the armed forces to make Pakistan an invincible nation. “Today, Pakistan, the world’s seventh nuclear power, is independent and indomitable. Thanks to our martyrs and defenders who defeated an arrogant enemy with the sheer grit of will power to stand up and fight for our freedom. We also pledge on this day to play our role in the progress and prosperity of our country,” he said.
The BOG chairman said he believed that the foundation of every state was the education of its youths. “Our (OPF’s) commitment to this noble task by providing the best resources to you (college) at all costs is firm. Now, the optimum utilisation of these resources should be your aim,” he said.
Barrister Amjad said it was a proud privilege that for the last 30 years, the OPF had been engaged in providing quality education and had emerged as a bright and rising star in the galaxy of educational arena.
“The OPF Girls College is already doing exemplary work in female education and has achieved recognition as a distinguished institution of quality education. Now its emergence as an institution of higher education is a good omen for the women folk of the country as well as for overseas Pakistanis.
“The incumbent principal and her faculty members are making a rich contribution in shaping young minds and helping develop and blossom them into enlightened citizens of this wonderful nation of ours,” he said.
He also congratulated the principal and teachers for excellent performance of their students in SSC and HSSC Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education examinations.
The BOG chairman said he hoped that the college would grow at matchless pace and keep its standard aloft, while staff members and students would continue striving to be the best in community. The students later honoured the 1965 martyrs through speeches, patriotic and war songs, and tableaus.