Defence and Martyrs Day is being observed today (Saturday) to pay tribute to martyrs and Ghazis and reaffirm commitment to defend the motherland against all threats.

It was on this day in 1965 when the Indian forces crossed the international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan, but the nation foiled the nefarious designs of the enemy.

The day dawned with a 31-gun salute at the federal capital and a 21-gun salute each at provincial capitals.

Special prayers were offered in the mosques for the progress and prosperity of the country, and for the independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir from the clutches of India.

Fateha and Quran Khawani will also be held for the martyrs later in the day.

Radio and television will broadcast special programmes to pay tribute to the Shuhada and Ghazis of the 1965 war.

Change of guards ceremony

A solemn ceremony of changing of the guards was held at the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in Karachi on the occasion of Defence Day.

Cadets from the Pakistan Air Force Academy assumed guard duties at Mazar-e-Quaid.

On this occasion, Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Khan, the chief guest, paid respects at the mausoleum, offered Fateha, and laid a floral wreath.

Addressing the ceremony, Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Khan stated that Operation Bunyān-um-Marsoos has revived the memory of September 6, adding that the “Next time, the score will be 60-0, not 6-0.”

Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Khan said that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has always lived up to the nation’s expectations and has never let the people down.

“We are ready to stand firm on every front,” he added. “We will stand like a fortified wall for the defence of our homeland.“

Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Khan also stated that any act of aggression will be met with a strong and decisive response.

He emphasised that Operation Bunyān-um-Marsoos has revived the memory of September 6, a day when we defeated the enemy’s evil designs and crushed their ambitions.

He said, “The change of guard ceremony is not just a tradition. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah taught us the importance of unity, and we are the torchbearers of his ideals. We are ready to defeat the enemy on every front.”

Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Khan further explained that the Pakistan Air Force has been at the forefront during natural disasters and rescue operations.

“Defending every city and every front of Pakistan is our responsibility. The PAF is always ready to defend the homeland.”

He added, “Under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Babar Sidhu, the PAF has become even more modernised.”

The entire nation takes pride in the success of the Pakistan Armed Forces, Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Khan said, adding that Pakistan’s airspace is in the strong hands of the Pakistan Air Force.

Civil, military leaders’ messages

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and services chiefs said the Defence and Martyrs Day of Pakistan is an inspiring chapter of our history.

In their separate messages on Defence and Martyrs Day, they said 6th September is a day of valour, unity, and resolve.

In his message, the president said on this day, we, as a proud nation, pay glowing tributes to our valiant armed forces and resilient people who have always defended the frontiers with unshakeable faith and matchless courage.

In his message, the prime minister said sixty years ago, our valiant armed forces, with the full support of the people, foiled the enemy’s aggression and proved that Pakistan is a resilient nation, fully capable of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In their separate messages, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu reaffirmed their pledge to uphold the sacred responsibility entrusted to them by the nation.