Nation marks Defence Day to honour soldiers' sacrifices in 1965 war

ISLAMABAD: The nation is celebrating Defence Day today to mark the sacrifices of the Pakistan armed forces who fought valiantly to defend the homeland in September 1965.

On September 6, 1965, Indian forces violated the international border and attacked Pakistan at midnight. The enemy had code-named the operation 'Riddle 11'.

At such a critical time, a limited contingent of the Pakistan Army intercepted the enemy advance at Bambanwala Ravi Bediyan (BRB) Canal. This was the same BRB canal where Major Raja Aziz Bhatti embraced martyrdom among many others defending the motherland.

PM's message on Defence Day

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in his message on Defence Day today, said Pakistan's defence capabilities meet the contemporary needs and the country's strong defence has ensured peace in South Asia.

We do not want to join the arms race in the region however we will continue to maintain a strategic balance in the region, the premier said in a statement.

He said the country's defence capability is in fact reflective of the nation's courage, steadfastness and determination, and showed how capable it is in difficult situations.

"Operation Zarb-e-Azb is a continuation of this conviction which has resulted in containing terrorists through combined will of our political leadership, determination of the nation and sacrifices and professionalism of armed forces and security institutions," he said.

The prime minister said the improved situation of law and order in the country was encouraging and to maintain that there was a need to adopt an approach by rising above political and personal interests.

PM Sharif said the fast-changing global scenario, internal and external conspiracies, and terrorism were challenges that demanded strong defence and unity within ranks and files of the nation.

Tributes and ceremonies

A solemn Guard of Honour ceremony took place at Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore, where a freshly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Rangers saluted the late Poet of Pakistan. A similar ceremony will be held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi.

Parades and flag-hoisting ceremonies will also be held across the country to mark the day. The nation will pay tributes to the martyrs by laying floral wreaths on their graves and at the martyrs' monuments.

Change of guard ceremony takes place at Mazar-e-Quaid

An impressive change of guard ceremony was held at the Mazar-e-Quaid where a contingent of Pakistan Air Force took over guard duties at the mausoleum.

Tributes paid to Maj. Shabbir Sharif Shaheed on Defence Day

Pakistan Army officers visited the grave of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, Sitara-e-Jurat, on Defence Day. The contingent, led by Major General Fida Hussain Malik, paid tributes to the 1965 and 1971 war hero on the occasion and presented a Guard of Honour at his grave. Major General Fida Hussain, along with Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed’s family, also put floral wreaths on his grave.

Defence Day celebrations at Shuhada Monument: DG ISPR

DG ISPR, Lt. General Asim Bajwa said full scale preparations for Defence Day celebrations were underway. In a tweet DG ISPR said the main event would be held tonight at Shuhada Monument at GHQ.