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

The day is dedicated to paying tribute to the martyrs and veterans who sacrificed their lives for the defense of the homeland. The celebrations began with cannon salutes and special prayers in mosques across the country.

A special ceremony is currently underway at the Mazar-e-Quaid (Mausoleum of the Founder of Pakistan), where the changing of the guard is taking place, with families of the martyrs also participating.

Earlier this morning, a special 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 Defence Day and Martyrs’ Day ceremony will be held at the GHQ tonight at 8 pm. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be the chief guest, and the event will be attended by senior civil and military leadership, including Army Chief General Asim Munir.

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister and the Army Chief will lay wreaths at the Martyrs’ Memorial. Both leaders will also address the gathering.

This day marks the anniversary of the 1965 war, when the brave soldiers of the Pakistan Army thwarted the enemy’s nefarious plans and taught the cowardly aggressors a lesson for daring to cast an evil eye on the sacred land of Pakistan.

On the morning of September 6, 1965, India crossed the border near Lahore, attempting to enter Pakistani territory. The Pakistan Army swiftly responded, halting the enemy’s advance, pushing them back across the border, and inflicting a heavy defeat on the Indian forces in a counter-offensive.

Change of guard at Quaid’s mausoleum

On the occasion of Pakistan Defense Day, the solemn ceremony of changing of the guards is going on at Mazar-e-Quaid. The special guest is Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Khan.

Cadets of Pakistan Air Force Asghar Khan Academy will take over the duties of guards. 74 cadets of Pakistan Air Force will be posted for professional duties. The cadets include 61 male and 13 female cadets.

A grand ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Major Shabbir Sharif on the occasion of Pakistan Defense Day in Miani Sahab Cemetery, Lahore.