Defence Day celebrated with renewed spirit, resolve
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—The entire nation alongwith Armed Forces celebrated the 42nd Defence Day of Pakistan on Thursday with renewed resolve to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the motherland, no matter what the cost.
The day dawned with prayers in all mosques of the country andArmy Units, Naval Establishments and Air Forces Bases for the progress and prosperity of the country.
 

PAF destined to rebuff any threat to homeland: Air Chief ISLAMABAD—Defence Day of Pakistan was celebrated in a befitting manner at all PAF Bases throughout the country. The auspicious day was observed with a renewed pledge and determination to make “Fizaia” even more stronger and potent force to face any challenge. The day started with special Du’a and Quran Khawani for the Shaheeds. A special feature of the day was the change of guards ceremony at the Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam in Karachi. Aviation Cadets from Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur assumed guard duties at the Mazar to honour the Father of the Nation. After the Aviation Cadets had assumed guard duties, Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Hassan, Air Officer Commanding PAF Academy, Risalpur offered Fateha and laid floral wreath to honour the Father of the Nation. In the morning a PAF contingent led by Air Marshal Mirza Zafar Hussain, Air Officer Commanding Southern Air Command, offered “Fateha” and laid floral wreath on behalf of Chief of the Air Staff at the grave of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas (Shaheed), Nishan-e- Haider.—Agencies

Navy fully ready to meet any challenge: Admiral Tahir ISLAMABAD—“Today we pay tributes to our Shuhuda whose sacrifices will always be remembered in the history of valour and fearlessness”. This was stated by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir in his Order of the Day, which was read out by the Commanding Officers of PN units during special gatherings in connection with the Defence Day of Pakistan. “We also salute our Ghazis whose heroic deeds added new chapters of courage and bravery in the annals of history. The valiant feats of our soldiers, sailors and airmen in 1965 war will continue to guide the future generations and motivate them to safeguard our freedom and sovereignty at all costs”, he maintained.Admiral Tahir further said that today, our maritime interests have increased manifold. Safeguarding these interests will be the key to our economic development and influence in the region. This is only possible with a strong Navy capable of defending these vast and diverse interests. While our geo-strategic location provides additional opportunities it also increases our responsibilities.—Agencies

Special Dua was offered for the eternal peace of the Shuhada who laid down their lives in defence of the country.
Special messages of the Services Chiefs were read out to the troops of Army, Navy and Air Force.
The Hilal-e-Istaqlal was hoisted at Lahore, Sargodha andSialkot in recognition of the will, courage and perseverance of thepeople of these cities, who bore the main brunt of the enemy’s aggression in the 1965 war.
Wreath Laying ceremonies were held at the Mazars and monumentsof the recipients of the Nishan-e-Haider, the country’s highestgallantry award.
A large number of people belonging to all shades of life attended the ceremonies to pay homage to the brave sons of the soil who demonstrated indomitable courage and valour in defence of the motherland.