ISLAMABAD: Defence and Martyrs Day will be observed on Friday to pay rich tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis and reaffirm resolve to defend the motherland against all threats. It was on this day in 1965 that the Indian forces crossed the international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan but the nation and the armed forces foiled nefarious designs of the enemy.
Special prayers will be offered after Fajr in mosques for the prosperity and progress of the country and the independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Fateha and Quran Khawani will also be held for the martyrs.
The day will dawn with 31-gun salute at the Federal Capital Islamabad and 21-gun salute at provincial capitals. The day’s activities will include visiting the families of martyrs and monuments built in their memory.
The legacy of unmatched gallantry and sacrifices of Pakistan’s Army Officers and Jawans started with the martyrdom of Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) in 1948 Kashmir War, was carried forward by Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) in 1965 war, Maj Shabbir Sharif Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) in 1971 War and Captian Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) and Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) during the Kargil war in 1999.
