Nation to observe Pakistan's Defence Day today
Pakistan Times Federal Bureau Report

ISLAMABAD: The nation will observe Defence of Pakistan Day on Monday (today) with renewed the pledge to sacrifice everything to defend the geographical and ideological frontiers of the country.

Armed forces have prepared special programmes to celebrate the day in different areas of the country. Seminars and get together have been arranged to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives for defending the country.

Different political, social and religious organizations will organize seminars to highlight the sacrifices of Armed forces, while defending the motherland during 1965 war.

The Defence of Pakistan day will start with special prayers for the prosperity and progress of the country. In Lahore, Maj. General Bilal Omer Khan, General Officer Commanding will lay wreath at the mazar of Allama Iqbal on Monday morning to pay homage to the great poet-philosopher of the East.

Maj. General Naeem Ahmad will lay wreath at the grave of Maj. Shabbir Sharif in Lahore who was posthumously awarded Nishan-e-Haider for sacrificing his life while defending the country in 1965 war.

A similar ceremony will be held at the Monument of Maj Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed along BRB canal in Lahore, where Brig. Syed Amjid Shabbir will lay wreath on the graves of other martyrs of September war at Army Graveyard.

In the evening, a get together of Ghazis and next of kins of Shuhada will be held at Defence Services Officers' Mess in Lahore.

Various schools and colleges have also arranged special programmes on this day to highlight the importance of Defence of Pakistan Day. Newspapers and E-Dailies will publish special supplements while Radio and TV channels will present specific programmes to highlight the significance of the day.

Pakistan promoted peace, harmony in world: President

President General Pervez Musharraf has said that Pakistan is a peace loving country which has promoted every move to establish peace and harmony in the world and also meeting its security requirements.

In a message to the nation on the occasion of Defence Day of Pakistan, President Musharraf also stated that "with the infinite blessings of Almighty Allah, our Armed Forces with the support of the nation are always ready to thwart aggressive designs of the enemy."

Referring to Pakistan's role in war on terror, he said it has been appreciated at all levels, "which reflects our posture as a peaceful nation." He said the War of 1965 proved that "we were not only sensitive and zealous about our defence but also displayed a brave conduct in this regard.

The President emphasized that it must be remembered that the Nation has made great sacrifices for ensuring security of the country. "Despite resource constraints, these requirements are being adequately met and we shall Insha Allah (God Willing) measure up to the trust reposed in us."

Defence Day of Pakistan, he said, is observed every year to commemorate the valour, courage and supreme sacrifices of our valiant Armed forces, who stood steadfast against overwhelming odds and proved to the world that the defence of Pakistan was impregnable beyond a shadow of doubt.

"It was on this day in 1965, when the Nation and Armed Forces in an unparalleled show of Unity, Faith and Discipline thwarted nefarious designs of the enemy, who intoxicated with numerical and technological superiority, had dared challenge the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our beloved country."

He said Defence Day is also a day to remember our Shuhada, Ghazis and draw strength from their deeds.

PM says Pakistan peaceful country

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said Pakistan is a peace loving nation and believes in peaceful resolution of issues but at the same time it believes that a strong defence is a durable guarantee for peace and security.

"Our love and yearn for peace has been acknowledged all over the world. But at the same time, we believe that a strong defence is a durable guarantee for peace and security," he said in his message on the occasion of Defence Day.

Shaukat Aziz said on this day, in 1965, valiant Armed Forces of the country rendered legendry sacrifices and set new norms of courage and bravery in the history of warfare. "We salute them for the sacrifices they rendered while defending the frontiers of Pakistan. Their sacrifices will always be a source of strength, vigour and motivation for every Pakistan."

"Therefore, despite constraints we will continue to strengthen our defence capabilities, and we will continue to modernize Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy." For this purpose, he said, additional resources will be provided. "We will also continue to improve our nuclear programme, as this occupied central position in the defence of the country," the Prime Minister stated.

Prime Minister Shaukat underscored that the nation should not forget that a strong economy is another vital ingredient for peace and security of a nation. "Our journey on the path of economic self-reliance is in progress. What we need is not only to maintain the ongoing pace but also accelerate it by creating a conductive environment for further investments in the country."●