Defence Day of Pakistan was celebrated with simplicity all over the country, with pledges to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan at all cost.
The day dawned with prayers in Army Units, Naval Establishments and Air Force Bases for the progress and prosperity of the country. Special prayers were offered for the eternal peace of the shuhada, who laid down their lives in defence of the country. Special messages of the services chiefs were read out to the troops of Army, Navy and Air Force.
Wreath-laying ceremonies were held at the graves of the recipients of the Nishan-e-Haider, the country’s highest gallantry award.
A large number of people belonging to various walks of life attended the ceremonies to pay homage to the country’s brave sons who had demonstrated indomitable courage and valour in the defence of the motherland.
Punjab Regiment Colonel Commandant Lieutenant General Sardar Mehmud Ali Khan laid a floral wreath and offered fateha at the grave of Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, the first recipient of the coveted Nishan-e-Haider who embraced martyrdom at Tilpatri (Azad Kashmir) in 1948. Okara Station Commander Brigadier Mubashir Waseem laid a floral wreath and offered fateha at the grave of Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed, at Tufailabad in Tehsil Arifwala. Major Tufail Muhammad embraced Shahadat at Lakshmi Bridge in East Pakistan in 1958.
General Officer Commanding Major General Waseem Sadiq laid a wreath at the grave of Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, in Ladian near Gujrat and offered fateha. Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed embraced Shahdat in 1965 at Burki, Lahore. General Officer Commanding Major General Sajjad Rasul laid a wreath and offered fateha at the monument of Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed at Jhelum. Major Muhammad Akram embraced Shahdat at District Hilli in East Pakistan. At Mehfoozabad, old Pind Malkan, Centre Commandant Punjab Regimental Centre Brigadier Mohammad Lateef laid a floral wreath at the grave of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed and offered fateha. The contingents of the respective Regimental Centers and units presented the salute as a mark of tribute to officers killed in the wars.
