ISLAMABAD/LAHORE/KARACHI/QUETTA/PESHAWAR, September 6: The whole Pakistani celebrated Defence Day on Tuesday 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.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in his message on Defence Day, said that 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.
A Change of Guard ceremony attended by Air Vice Marshal Imran Khalid and Air Officer Commanding Risalpur took place at the Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi. A smartly turned out contingent of PAF Academy Risalpur, including six female cadets, took control charge of guards responsibility.
Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah inaugurated air show and stalls arranged by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) at Masroor Airbase. He said that we have to make country’s defence strong with proper trainings and equipment. In Malir, parade was held to memorize the zeal and valor of 1965 war officers.
In Lahore, a contingent of Rangers presented guard of honour at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal. General officer commanding (GOC) Commander Major Gen Sardar Tariq Aman and Brigadier Asim Gardezi offered Fateh on the grave.
In another ceremony at Rangers headquarters, DG Punjab Rangers Umar Farooq laid floral wreath over martyrs and lauded their passion and love for the country.
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. – Sabah
