Pakistan

Defence and Martyrs Day observed with patriotic zeal

Day dawned with 31 gun salute at the Federal Capital and 21 gun salute at provincial capitals

Published 9 months ago on Sep 6th 2025, 9:37 pm

By Web Desk

Defence and Martyrs Day observed with patriotic zeal

Islamabad: Defence and Martyrs Day was observed today (Saturday) to pay tribute to martyrs and Ghazis and reaffirm commitment to defend the motherland against all threats.

It was on this day in 1965 when the Indian forces crossed the international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan but the nation foiled nefarious designs of the enemy.

The day dawned with 31 gun salute at the Federal Capital and 21 gun salute at provincial capitals.

Special prayers were offered in the mosques for the progress and prosperity of the country, and independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir from the clutches of India.

Fateha and Quran Khawani will also be held for the martyrs.

A change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi on Saturday.

A contingent of Pakistan Air force Academy Asghar Khan assumed the guard duty.

Air vice Marshal Shahryar Khan was the chief guest of the ceremony who laid a floral wreath at the Mazar e Quaid and offered fateha.

A ceremony in connection with Defence and Martyrs Day was also held at Mazar-i-Iqbal in Lahore.

Corps Commander Lahore, Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah laid floral wreath at the mausoleum.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on Defence and Martyrs Day, paid glowing tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces and martyrs, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to safeguarding sovereignty, countering external threats, and building a united, prosperous future.

The Prime Minister said September 6 is etched in national history as a symbol of courage, unity, and resilience. Recalling the 1965 war, he noted that Pakistan’s valiant armed forces, with the full support of the people, had thwarted enemy aggression, proving that the country possesses the will and capacity to defend its independence and integrity.

Highlighting the recent “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, Marqa e Haq,” Shehbaz Sharif lauded the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force for their unmatched professionalism and combat skills under the strategic leadership of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir. He said the nation takes pride in the sacrifices of martyrs and the courage of war veterans, whose example will continue to inspire generations.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and constructive international engagement but warned against ignoring the reality of “continuous Indian provocations and shifting regional dynamics.” He stressed that Pakistan would keep strengthening its defense capabilities while resolutely combating foreign-sponsored terrorism and proxy warfare.

“Our armed forces and law enforcement agencies have made remarkable progress in eliminating the menace of extremism and terrorism. The nation stands firmly by their side until this mission is completed,” he said.

Expressing solidarity with oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the prime minister reiterated unwavering support for Kashmiris in Indian IIOJK, stating that their struggle for self-determination cannot be suppressed by force. He also strongly condemned ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestine and urged the international community to ensure protection of civilians and uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that economic stability is vital for a strong defense. He called on the nation to rise above personal differences and work collectively for sustainable prosperity and self-reliance.

“On this Defence and Martyrs Day, let us renew our pledge to the timeless principles of faith, unity, and discipline as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam, and work together for a secure, united, and prosperous Pakistan.

Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad, Pakistan Paindabad,” he concluded.