Pakistan observes 59th Defence day with patriotic fervor

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is observing Defence Day and Martyrs’ Day today with national pride and zeal. The main event will be held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir will address the nation.

The day honors the martyrs and veterans who sacrificed their lives for the country’s defense. The celebrations began with cannon salutes and special prayers in mosques across the country.

Additionally, a solemn ceremony of changing the guards is taking place at Mazar-e-Quaid, with Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Khan as the special guest. Cadets of Pakistan Air Force Asghar Khan Academy will take over guard duties.

Earlier, a ceremony was held at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad, where Vice Admiral Owais Ahmed Bilgrami laid flowers and offered prayers at the Martyrs’ Memorial.

The main ceremony will be held at the GHQ tonight, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, senior civil and military leadership, and Army Chief General Asim Munir. They will lay wreaths at the Martyrs’ Memorial and address the gathering.

This day marks the anniversary of the 1965 war, when Pakistan’s brave soldiers thwarted India’s nefarious plans, teaching them a lesson for daring to attack Pakistan.

The Pakistan Army responded swiftly, halting the enemy’s advance and inflicting a heavy defeat on Indian forces in a counter-offensive.

An additional grand ceremony was also held at Major Shabbir Sharif’s mausoleum in Lahore.