RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Defence Day celebrations began with 21 gun salute Thursday morning, followed by special prayers for martyrs of the nation and then came the “Change of Guard” ceremony at the mausoleum of founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

A contingent of Asghar Khan Pakistan Air force (PAF) Academy cadets, including five women took responsibility Pakistan Navy cadets who had assumed the same on August 14.

Air Vice Marshal Nadeem Sabir was chief guest at the guard of honour ceremony. He offered fateha besides laying floral wreath at the Mazar-e-Quaid.

In his remarks in the guest book placed at the site, he paid homage to the founding leaders of the country as well as all those who rendered huge sacrifices in its defence.

Another befitting and almost daylong ceremony held at the Malir Garrison was attended by family members of the martyred soldiers as well as serving and retired army men.

National songs played on the occasion added to the spirits of people belonging to all age groups while special events, encompassing contest of varied forms, for children, women and youth provided added attraction to the participants.

The Southern Command of Pakistan Air Force had also arranged a special ceremony to mark the Defence Day at PAF Base Masroor, Mauripur. Families of retired and serving personnel of the force largely attended the event.

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail attended the program as the chief guest.

“The entire nation stands behind the defenders of the country and will jointly fight against those who will be a threat to the country and its inhabitants in any manner,” he said, speaking at the ceremony.

Governor said Pakistan is our home and its safety, security and development is our collective responsibility.

Meanwhile, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and District Municipal Corporations (DMCs) had made special efforts to decorate the area under their respective jurisdiction to mark the 53rd anniversary of Defence Day.

Karachiites festively commemorated the historic defence by armed forces in 1965 war imposed by invading Indian armed forces. The 6th September related banners and hoardings were displayed at main points across the city as a s sign of recognition of those national heroes who rendered their lives for a sacred cause close to the heart of every Pakistani.

School and other educational institutions too celebrated the day and children also wore military uniforms to express their love for the armed forces of the country. Almost 100 percent attendance of the students and teaching staff was reported.