ISLAMABAD: Defence and Martyrs’ Day is being observed today to pay tributes to the martyrs of the armed forces and reaffirm commitment to defend the motherland against all threats.
It was on this day in 1965 that the Indian forces crossed international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan but the nation foiled nefarious designs of the enemy.
This year’s Defense and Martyrs’ Day theme is “Our martyrs our pride, salute to all the relatives belonging to ghazis and Shaheeds.”
Special prayers were offered in mosques for the progress and prosperity of the country and independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir from the cruel clutches of India. The day dawned with 31 gun salute at the Federal Capital and 21 gun salute at provincial capitals.
An investiture ceremony of change of guard in connection with Defence and Martyrs’ Day was held at Quaid-i-Azam mausoleum in Karachi on Monday morning.
Air Officer Commanding Asghar Khan Academy Air Marshal Qaisar Khan Janjua was chief guest on this occasion. The cadets of Pakistan Air Force assumed the responsiblity of guard at the mausoleum.
Never compromise on sovereignty
President and the Prime Minister in their separate messages on the occasion of Defence and Martyrs Day have renewed the pledge that brave Pakistani nation will never compromise on its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
President Dr Arif Alvi said Pakistan, being fully cognizant of developments in its neighbourhood is committed to securing peace, and prepared to thwart any plot hatched to hamper peace. He commended the security agencies for their relentless efforts towards exposing the enemy carrying out covert activities.
President Alvi emphatically stated that Pakistan will never back away from its principled stand on the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Imran Khan in his message said the gallant soldiers and officers, pilots and sailors fought bravely and did not care for their own lives and defended the frontiers by offering supreme sacrifice. He said India today stands exposed before the world community for its bid to hamper peace in the region, especially with reference to Pakistan.
The prime minister said due to our government’s proactive diplomacy, the international community is now convinced that the persecution of minorities across India and the atrocities unleashed on innocent Kashmiris in Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir must end forthwith.
PM Imran Khan said India will have to give Kashmiris their due right to self-determination, under the UN Security Council resolutions, the sooner the better.
