Defence and Martyrs Day was observed on Sunday to pay tributes to the martyrs and Ghazis and reaffirm commitment to defend the motherland against all threats.

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

Special prayers were offered after Fajr in mosques for the progress and prosperity of the country and independence of occupied Kashmir from the cruel clutches of India.

Fateha and Quran Khawani are also being held for the martyrs.

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

At an investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Dr. Arif Alvi will confer upon military awards to the officers and soldiers of the armed forces in recognition of their meritorious services to the nation.

Islamabad

A ceremony in connection with the Defence and Martyrs Day was held at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad on Sunday morning.

Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi laid floral wreath at the memorial of martyrs and offered Fateha.

He also met the family members of Shuhada.

Karachi

In Karachi, a change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in connection with the Defence & Martyrs Day today.

A smartly turned out contingent comprising of 46 cadets inlcuding three women, of Pakistan Air Force Asghar Khan Academy assumed the guard duties.

Air-Vice Marshal Shakeel Ghazanfar laid the floral wreath on Mazar and offered Fateha. He also recorded his impressions on visitors’ book.

Addressing the ceremony Air Vice Marshal Shakeel Ghazanfar paid rich tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis and said armed forces are ready for the safety and security of the mother land.

Rawalpindi

The main ceremony in connection with the Defence and Martyrs Day was held at GHQ in Rawalpindi on Sunday morning.

On the occasion, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa laid floral wreath at the memorial of martyrs and offered Fateha.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the main function in connection with Defence and Martyrs Day was held at Kernal Sher Khan Stadium in Peshawar today.

Corps Commander Peshawar, Lt. General Numan Mahmood was Chief Guest on the occasion.

He laid floral wreaths on the monument of martyrs.

Heirs of martyrs and Ghazis of the security forces also attended the function.

A floral wreath was laid at the grave of Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed in his native town Nawan Kili in district Swabi.

Brigadier Shahid Younas laid the floral wreath.

A smart contingent of Pak Army held guard of honour to pay tribute to bravery and valor of Shaheed Capt. Karnal Sher Khan.

Meanwhile, rallies were also taken out in Peshawar, Landi Kotal, Bajaur, Tank and Charsadda districts to mark the day.

Similarly, a cycle race was held from Ring road.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the main function in connection with the Defence and Martyrs Day was held at Medical College Muzaffarabad, under the aegis of Kashmir Liberation Cell.  

AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan was Chief Guest on the occasion.

The ceremony was attended by state ministers, heirs of martyrs, high ranking military and civil officials and notables of the city.

Addressing the ceremony, the AJK Prime Minister said people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir are standing shoulder to shoulder with their brave forces to protect the ideological and geographical frontiers of the country.

Gilgit Baltistan

In Gilgit Baltistan, the main function of Defence and Martyrs Day was held in Handur, Yasin the native town of Hawaldar Lalik Jan Shaheed Nishn-e-Haider.

Commander Force Command Northern Areas Maj Gen Ehsan Mehmood Khan visited the Mazar of Lalik Jan Shaheed, laid wreath on it and offered Fatiha.

A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented guard of honor on the occasion.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi says the entire nation pays tribute to our brave armed forces on the occasion of Defense Day.

In a tweet on Sunday, he said our armed forces are our pride. He also presented salute to all the martyrs and their families who sacrificed their lives for defense of the beloved homeland.

Minister for Interior Ijaz Shah 

Minister for Interior Ijaz Shah says September 6 will always be remembered in Pakistan's history as a precedent of valour and courage.

He said the Defense and Martyrs Day reminds us of the indomitable courage and unprecedented sacrifices rendered by our Armed Forces for the defence of the sacred frontiers of this Motherland.

Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen Mazari

Meanwhile Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen Mazari in her message on the occasion said that we salute the valiant soldiers and officers who fought bravely and many embraced martyrdom.

In a tweet, the minister said our move towards indigenisation of weapons' production and nuclear capability has allowed us to establish deterrence in our region.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Farman

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Farman in his message said the Defense and Martyrs Day delivers clear message to enemies that we know how to protect the sovereignty of our country.

Shah Farman stressed on standing shoulder to shoulder with armed forces of Pakistan to defeat the enemies on both internal and external fronts.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar 

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said in his message on Defense and Martyrs Day that the passion exhibited by the nation during 1965 war is still needed to further strengthen the national unity and Pakistan.