LAHORE: The Pakistani nation will celebrate Defence Day on Sunday (today) to pay homage to the martyrs and ghazis who defended the motherland against the aggression of enemy.

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

The day will dawn with special prayers in the mosques for the country. The day would begin with 31-gun salute at the Federal Capital and 21-gun salute at provincial capitals. Fateha' and Quran Khawani will also be held for all those, who have laid their lives in the line to serve the nation. The change of guard ceremony would take place at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi in the morning.

Wreath laying ceremonies will be held at the mausoleums of the recipients of Nishan-e-Haider, the highest gallantry award, which would be attended by the senior officials of the respective areas across the country.

Newspapers will publish special supplements, while electronic media will telecast and broadcast special programmes, signifying the importance of the day. The government and non-governmental organizations have planned various events to mark the day.

Defence analysts urged the nation to maintain unity and solidarity among all its ranks and files to defeat the enemies, keeping in view, the unity displayed during the war of 1965. Pakistan was the only nation which successfully defeated the menace of terrorism through unity, they said.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020