The whole nation and Pakistan’s army need to be on the same page to make certain the defence of the country and the army’s involvement in ‘other affairs’ would make the county weak.
Former information minister, Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex chairman and senior journalist Arif Nizami expressed these views at a function jointly organised by the Hashmat Memorial School and the Aiwan-e-Iqbal on the 48th National Defence Day on Friday.
The chief guest at the programme, Nizami, said that Pakistan’s army was defending its motherland courageously and with complete professional skills. He said the country was currently facing enormous challenges including that of terrorism and the Pakistan Army was fighting for the country at three different fronts; the eastern front, western front and against the Afghan-based terrorism, which had infiltrated into Pakistani territory.
Moreover, Nizami said that it was a good omen that all the institutions concerned were playing their constitutional roles. He said that the country’s independent judiciary, democratic government and fearless army were all carrying out their responsibilities in a good manner, adding that before the existing democratic government came into power, the general elections were held in a good manner and that the newly elected prime minister was trying to delicately tackle the country’s major issues.
Furthermore, Nizami said that on Thursday the whole nation observed the current PM Nawaz Sharif bid farewell to outgoing President Asif Ali Zardari in a very patient manner, adding that this act would strengthen the county’s democratic norms.
However, he pointed out that the original test of the PM’s wisdom would be on Monday during the All Parties Conference (APC). He said that he was very optimistic about the country’s future. Nizami also said that education was the only way to get the country out of all current crises, adding that Pakistani children must be provided the opportunity to realise the importance of national days via such ceremonies.
During the function, children presented tableaus to highlight the importance of the day and also recited Allama Iqbal’s poetry.
The Defence Day was observed with zeal and fervor to pay homage and tributes to the Shuhada and Ghazis who rendered the supreme sacrifice of their lives for defending their motherland. Numerous functions were held in city including a national flag hoisting ceremony at Jinnah Hall, and the graceful change-of-guard ceremony at Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum.
The Punjab Rangers assumed the duty of guards at the Mazar-e-Iqbal. Pakistan Army General Commanding Officer Major General Shahid Beg Mirza and the Baloch Regiment’s Brigadier Najeeb Aamir Malik laid wreaths at the Mazar-e-Iqbal and offered Fateha prayers.
A ceremony was also held at the Lahore Ranger Headquarters in which Punjab Rangers Deputy Director General Brigadier Mohammad Jamil laid wreaths on the monuments of the martyrs.
The Defence Day was also celebrated in the Lahore Garrison. The day-long celebrations started with Quran Khawani, while special prayers after the Fajr prayers were also offered for the sovereignty, solidarity and integrity of the country.
A special ceremony was held at the grave of Nishan-e-Haider recipient Major Shabbir Sharif (Shaheed) to pay homage to him and to commemorate his sacrifice for Pakistan. Major General Bilal Amber and family members of the martyr laid floral wreath and offered Fateha prayers. Pakistanis belonging to different walks of life kept on visiting the grave throughout the day to pay their respect to the war hero.
In the afternoon, a programme for 1965’s war veterans was held at Batapur’s Yadgar-e-Shuhada where Major General (Retd) Asif Akhtar and DIG Sikandar Shaheen graced the occasion as chief guests.
