Nation remembers 1965 war heroes on Defence Day today

Defence and Martyrs’ Day is being observed across the country on September 6 (today) to pay homage to the country’s soldiers and the heroes of the 1965 war with arch-rival India.

Friday's commemoration began with a 31-gun salute at dawn in the federal capital and similar displays in other cities.

A minute's silence was observed across the country to pay tribute to the almost 4,000 troops martyred in the fighting.

Special prayers were offered for martyrs who sacrificed their lives on the battlefield and for peace and prosperity in the country. 

Prayers were also held for the independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir a wreath at the mausoleum of war hero, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti, in Gujrat.

In Karachi, the day started with the change of guard ceremony at Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum where contingents of cadets of PAF assumed charge.

The central event will be held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi while Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will present a special air-show over F-9 Park in Islamabad.

Defence and Matryrs’ Day is observed every year on September 6 in remembrance of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, when Indian forces crossed the international border and launched an attack on Pakistan.

However, Pakistan’s Armed Forces managed to foil the Indian attack with courage and resolve.

The major fighting of the war took place between August and September 1965, with both sides claiming victory after it ended in a stalemate following the intervention of the United States and the Soviet Union.