ISLAMABAD – The 51st Defence Day of Pakistan is being observed today with renewed pledge and commitment to the defence of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan.
It was on 6th of September in 1965 that the Indian forces crossed international border in the darkness of night and attacked Pakistan but ever vigilant armed forces solidly backed by the nation failed nefarious designs of the enemy.
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti is the most celebrated hero of the 1965 war and also a recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider.
On 6th September 1965, during an aerial combat over enemy territory, Squadron Leader Mohammad Mahmood Alam flying as pilot of an F-86 Sabre Jet, shot down two enemies Hunter aircraft and damaged three others.
The day dawned with a gun salute – 31 in Islamabad and 21 in provisional capitals. Special prayers for the country’s security, progress and development were also held across the country. In various cities of Pakistan, small and large events celebrating the event of 1965 were held.
The main function to highlight the significance of the day was held at the lawns of General Headquarters (GHQ), where Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif will address the guests. People from all walks of life have also been invited to that function.
Ceremonies held across the country
A change of guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal in Lahore on Tuesday morning whereas another change of guards ceremony held on 09.00 is at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.
Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah inaugurated air show and stalls arranged by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) at Masroor Airbase. Also, a parade was held in Malir to memorize the zeal and valor of 1965 war officers.
Inter-Services Public Relations has arranged a parade at Lahore’s Fortress Stadium in which Corps Commander is Lieutenant General Sadiq Ali was invited as a chief guest.
In Gujranwala, several army personnel including Corps Commander Lt Gen Ikramul Haq participated in an event organized for Defence Day at Nishan-e-Manzil. Families of more than 250 martyred officers were invited on the occasion to commemorate their sacrifices.
An exhibition of army officials equipment for air defence, armour, and artillery Corps engineering instruments and many another underway in Peshawar.
Messages on Defence Day
President Mamnoon Hussain in his message on Defence Day stated that the Pakistan Army and the Pakistani nation bravely defended the country against the enemies. ‘The security situation in the country has improved after launching of Operation Zarb-e-Azb. He stated that the nation pays tribute to the valiant armed forces of Pakistan,’ president added.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in his Defence Day message, has said that the valiant Pakistani forces gave a clear message to the enemies of Pakistan on 6th September 1965. ‘Pakistan has achieved self-reliance in the manufacturing of advanced weapons whereas the country’s nuclear strength is the highlight of the country’s strong defence,’ he added.
The prime minister stated, ‘We do not want to join the arms race in the region, however, will continue to ensure balance in the region.’
Pakistan Defence Day: CM KP Pervez Khattak observing Air Show in Sher Khan Shaheed Stadium Peshawar. pic.twitter.com/c0cMLpoihc
— Pervaiz Khattak (@Pervaiz_Khattak) September 6, 2016
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman inaugurates Martyrs Monument at PAF Museum Karachi #DefenceDay pic.twitter.com/lbOatd9vlD
— Kiran Raza (@kiranraza_01) September 5, 2016
Security Measures
Stringent security measures have been put in place at various locations to avoid any untoward incident.
City Police Officer Israr Ahmed Abbasi said that as many as 1,200 police officers and personnel were carried out special security duties.
Mobile signals went off the air across Rawalpindi at about 4pm on Monday. Army men were deployed at important locations and main roads, especially in Cantonment areas. The sources said that the cell phone services will remain suspended till Tuesday evening.