Defence Day celebrated with national zeal

LAHORE, Sep 06 (APP):The Defence Day of Pakistan was celebrated in a befitting manner in the provincial capital to pay homage to the Martyrs and Ghazis who rendered great sacrifices for the beloved motherland.
Special prayers were offered for the peace, progress and prosperity of the country.
In connection with the Defence Day an impressive ceremony was held at the tomb of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a great poet of the East.
Lahore Garrison Commander Major General Muhammad Amir visited Mazar-e-Iqbal. He laid the wreath on the grave of Allama Iqbal, offered Fateha and recorded his impression in the visitor’s book.
Pak Army officers and jawans also visited Miani Sahib graveyard where they offered Fateha at the grave of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed.
To mark the day, a prestigious ceremony was held at Fortress Stadium, which was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar and Lahore Corps Commander Lieutenant General Amir Riaz. National anthem was played at the start of the ceremony. Later on, different special performances were presented.
Pakistan Army also presented special performances on this occasion, which mesmerised the spectators.
Punjab Chief Minister in his message on the Defence Day said, “The day is an occasion to pay tributes to immortal sacrifices of Pak Armed forces.”
He said Pakistan Air Force (PAF) destroyed the air strength of the enemy by ensuring the defence of the geographical boundaries of the country and PAF unique role in the war of 1965 would always be remembered in golden words in the defence history of the world.
He said, “PAF is known as one of the best air forces in the world and the ones who sacrificed their lives for the motherland are heroes of the whole nation.”
A special ceremony was held at PAF Airbase in connection with the Defence Day here in which Punjab Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan was the chief guest.
Aleem Khan said, “Real heroes are those who rendered sacrifices to protect the future of the nation.”
The Senior Minister also visited Batapur and Munawaan. He offered Fateha for all those who embraced martyrdom in the war of 1965.
He said, “As a nation, we are heading towards progress and prosperity under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan and it is high time that we all affirm this belief that no stone will be left unturned in this regard.”
PTI leaders Ejaz Diyaal, Jamshaid Iqbal Cheema, Hafiz Farhat Abbass, Mansab Farmaish Awan and party workers in large number were present on the occasion and chanted slogans in favour of Pakistan, Imran Khan and Pak Army.
Air Vice Marshal Irfan Ahmed and high-ranking officers of Air Force were present.
Special ceremonies were held in educational institutes in which the importance of the day was highlighted.
Different departments including Pakistan Railways, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Rescue 1122 and others marked the day to pay tribute to the martyrs and express solidarity with their families.
The Nazaria-i-Pakistan Trust (NPT) in collaboration with Pakistan Movement Workers Trust, also celebrated the Pakistan Defence Day.
An impressive flag-lowering ceremony was held at Wagah border in connection with the day and a huge crowd witnessed it and patriotic Pakistanis chanted slogans of ‘Allah-o-Akbar’ and ‘Pakistan Zindabad’.