Nation celebrates Defence Day with patriotic spirit

ISLAMABAD: The people of  Pakistan  along with the armed forces are  all set to celebrate the Defence Day of Pakistan today (Thursday) with a renewed pledge to continue safeguarding the geographical, ideological boundaries and territorial integrity of the motherland against all threats.

The day  dawned with special prayers in the mosques for the well-being and prosperity of the country.

The change of guard ceremony took place at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi in the morning, where a PAF contingent  assumed guard duty.

Roads, intersections and other public places all over the country have been decorated with banners and steamers, bearing pictures of martyrs of Pakistan Armed Forces under the theme of "Hamain Payar Hay Pakistan Se."

The main ceremony of Defence Day is being held at  the General Headquarters (GHQ), where  Prime Minister Imran Khan is the chief guest.

Special events, to pay homage to the Pakistan Army soldiers, officials and other law enforcement agencies personnel, are being held at all the district headquarters in which families of martyrs are participating to commemorate the great sacrifices of the martyrs.

Wreath laying ceremonies will also be held at the mausoleums of the recipients of Nishan-e-Haider (the highest gallantry award), which will be attended by the senior officials of the respective areas across the country.

To mark the day with national enthusiasm, different programmes have been chalked out by the Armed Forces of Pakistan in Peshawar.

The major function is be held at Karnal Sher Khan Stadium where different types of weapons, warplanes and helicopters’ models  will be displayed for students and general public.

It was on this day in 1965 that the enemy forces crossed international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan, but ever-vigilant armed forces, solidly backed by the nation, foiled enemy’s nefarious designs.

The Armed Forces of Pakistan commemorate 6th September to pay tribute to `Shuhada’ and Ghazis for their supreme sacrifices and gallantry acts.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan Army, has released a video song in commemoration of defence services by Pakistan Armed Forces.

The promo shared at the official handle of DG ISPR, Major General Asif Ghafoor shows combined footage of the country’s all forces putting their lives on the line to protect the nation, whereas in the background a song filled with gusto and patriotism can be heard.

During the 213th Corps Commanders Conference,  Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa directed the field formations  to reach out to families of martyrs in their respective areas as mark of respect and acknowledgment of their great sacrifices.

PM Message

Paying rich tributes to martyrs, Ghazis, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that observance of Defence Day of Pakistan in fact is reiteration of the message to the enemy forces that the entire Pakistani nation along with its armed forces will spare no effort to protect the motherland.

Khan added that  the topic of ‘Hame Pyar Hay Pakistan Say’ represented the spirit and ambition of the entire nation.

Following the Quaid’s principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline all problems can be faced. "Lets play our role with diligence and devotion for progress of the country,” said PM Khan.

"This year the Defence Day is quite unique because the Armed Forces of Pakistan, keeping in view their magnificent traditions, have achieved standout achievements in the war against terrorism which provided further stability and continuity to the motherland," he added.