The nation stands united to commemorate Defense and Martyrs Day, a solemn occasion to honour the martyrs and Ghazis who were the bastion of resistance in the 1965 war.
The commemoration serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience exhibited by the martyrs and Ghazis, who embodied a fortress of courage and determination, standing staunch against the enemy’s onslaught to safeguard the nation’s soil.
The event is a tribute to the relentless spirit that thwarted the malicious intentions of the adversary during the 1965 conflict.
A Day of Salutes and Solemn Prayers
The dawn of this significant day was heralded with an awe-inspiring 31-gun salute echoing in the Federal Capital, followed by a respectful 21-gun salute resounding in the provincial capitals.
Special prayers were fervently recited after the Fajr prayer in mosques nationwide as a testament to the spiritual solidarity and hope that fuels the nation. These prayers encapsulated the aspirations for the country’s progress and prosperity and emotional pleas for liberating the territories illicitly occupied by India, including Kashmir.
On this solemn occasion, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Service Chiefs, along with the Armed Forces, expressed heartfelt tributes to the martyrs, their families, and the veterans who displayed unparalleled bravery during the Defense and Martyrs Day.
Per the statements released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military leadership recounted the awe-inspiring September 6, 1965 events. The narratives emphasized the remarkable display of valour where a smaller yet morally upright force triumphed over a numerically superior adversary, showcasing an exceptional blend of professionalism, determination, and faith.
The ISPR emphasized that the heroism and sacrifices witnessed on that fateful day continue to fuel the spirit of newer generations, instilling in them a genuine patriotism and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation from internal and external threats, thereby ensuring the perpetual defence and glory of the motherland.