ISLAMABAD: Writers, poets and intellectuals paid rich tribute to the heroes of 1965 war, who rendered great sacrifices to defend motherland.
The function was organized by Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) in connection with the 50th Defence Day.
Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Defence Production Senator Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Qayyum was the chief guest on the occasion. Prominent writer and scholar Prof Fateh Muhammad Malik presided over the function.
Renowned poets including Prof Jalil Ali, Ayesha Masood, Aftab Zia, Hasan Abbas Raza presented poems on the occasion paying rich tribute to the sacrifices rendered by the Armed forces during the war. Prof Fateh Muhammad Malik and Major (retd) Iqbal Dar also spoke on the occasion.
Director General PAL Zahida Parveen and a large number of people from different walks of life also attended the event. Senator Lt Gen Abdul Qayyum speaking on the occasion said the lesson we learnt from 1965 war was that every challenge and difficult task could be achieved with national unity and zeal.
In 1965 war every Pakistani had played his/her role to defeat the enemy he said. He said today challenges would be overcome with the same spirit and national unity. He said Pakistanis were a resilient nation and there was no comparison when it comes to defend the country from aggression.
Abdul Qayyum said National Action Plan (NAP) was being implemented to eliminate terrorism from the country. He said all conspiracies of enemy to de-stabilize Pakistan economically could only be foiled with national unity.
Earlier Chairman PAL Prof Dr M Qasim Bughio, in his welcome address said nobody wants war but when there is need like fighting terrorism then it becomes the need of the hours.
He said the 1965 was one of the wars, which was very crucial for us and our armed forces and the people of Pakistan courageously defeated the enemy.
Later, a number of singers sang national songs.