Islamabad: Anyone intending to hurt bond between country's Armed Forces and its people is not a friend of Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in his message on Defence Day.

As Pakistan grapples with historic floods and other challenges, we need to summon spirit of 1965, PM Shehbaz said. "National unity is our greatest strength. Let us fortify this bond of One Nation," he wrote on Twitter. He said that it is a matter of great pride that valiant Armed Forces and brave Pakistani nation have carried forward proud legacy of 1965 war by successfully "defeating monsters of terrorism and extremism in their two-decade-old struggle". Pakistan observed Defence Day with patriotic zeal and zest and remembering valorous martyrs of 1965 war, as nation continues its battle against historic floods.

Nation observes day every year on September 6 to pay homage to shuhahda and ghazis of battle and reaffirm its commitment to defend Pakistan against all threats. Day marks start of Pakistan-India war in 1965 when Indian troops breached international border in darkness of night with intention to take control of country but nefarious designs of enemy were thwarted by Pakistan Army.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that Defence Day symbolises unwavering resolve of Armed Forces, backed by "great Pakistani nation to defend motherland against all odds".

"We owe our freedom and peace to unprecedented sacrifices of martyrs to keep flag high," military's media wing quoted Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa as saying.

Celebrations started off with special prayers in masajid after fajr. Nation prayed for progress and prosperity of country and independence of Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. 

A change of guard ceremony took place at Mazar-e-Quaid and guards of Pakistan Air Force's Asghar Khan Academy assumed charge at mausoleum.

Similar ceremonies and events were organised at tomb of Allama Iqbal, schools and other educational institutes.

Meanwhile, President Arif Alvi in his message said that Defence and Martyrs Day of Pakistan reminds nation of unprecedented courage and matchless valour displayed by soldiers and officers of Pakistani Armed Forces. He said that Army has support and backing of entire nation.

"On this day, 57 years ago, we thwarted evil design of enemy and defeated it on all fronts. In that testing time, not only Armed Forces of Pakistan fought fearlessly on ground, in air and in waters, but each and every citizen came out to defend and safeguard motherland," he said.

September 6, therefore stands out in history as symbol of unwavering national resolve, absolute patriotism, profound professionalism and supreme sacrifice.

He paid tribute to martyrs who laid down their lives while fighting for safety and security of motherland, their families for setting a great example by sacrificing their loved ones and valiant ghazis who heroically fought while defending every inch of our territory.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 06 2022

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