Karachi: Defence and Martyrs’ Day is being observed across Pakistan today with national spirit and enthusiasm to commemorate the sacrifices of the country’s armed forces and civilians.
The day marks the events of the September 1965 war, when Pakistan’s armed forces and the nation confronted an attack launched by India during the hours of darkness. The occasion is remembered in Pakistan as a symbol of national resilience, courage and solidarity.
According to the traditional narrative surrounding the day, Pakistan’s armed forces, supported by the public, responded to the attack despite facing a militarily larger adversary. Ceremonies are being held across the country to pay tribute to those who lost their lives defending Pakistan.
A special ceremony was also organised at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi to commemorate Defence and Martyrs’ Day. Pakistan Air Force cadets assumed guard duties at the mausoleum, marking the occasion with military honours.
Air Vice Marshal Hassan Faisal, Air Commanding of the PAF Academy Asghar Khan, attended the ceremony as the chief guest. The event brought together military personnel and members of the public to remember the sacrifices made during the 1965 conflict and in subsequent national security operations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Faisal said that the Pakistan Air Force had consistently lived up to the expectations of the nation and had provided its services whenever the country faced a difficult situation.
He said that Pakistan’s airspace was in the safe hands of the Pakistan Air Force, adding that the force remained prepared to defend the country against any threat.
“Pakistan seeks peace but will not compromise on sovereignty”
In his address, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Faisal emphasised that Pakistan desired peace but would not compromise on its sovereignty.
He said the Pakistan Air Force had repeatedly demonstrated its ability to defend the country and protect its airspace. Referring to last year’s confrontation with India, he said the Pakistan Air Force had responded effectively to what he described as Indian aggression.
The remarks were delivered as the country observes the sacrifices of its military personnel and civilians and reflects on the history of conflicts that have shaped Pakistan’s national security outlook.
Defence and Martyrs’ Day is observed every year on September 6. The day commemorates Pakistan’s military response during the 1965 war and honours soldiers who lost their lives in the defence of the country.
A day of remembrance
Across Pakistan, special prayers, ceremonies and other events are being held to pay tribute to martyrs. National flags are being displayed at public and private buildings, while communities and institutions are organising programmes highlighting the contributions of members of the armed forces.
The central theme of the day remains remembrance and national unity. Families of martyrs are also being honoured for the sacrifices of their loved ones.
The September 1965 conflict remains one of the most significant episodes in Pakistan’s military history. The war lasted several weeks and involved major fighting on land and in the air, as well as naval activity.
The Pakistan Air Force has traditionally played a prominent role in commemorations of the conflict, particularly because of its involvement in air operations during the war.
The annual observance also provides an opportunity to highlight the role of Pakistan’s armed forces in protecting the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
At the Mazar-e-Quaid ceremony in Karachi, the presence of Pakistan Air Force cadets and the formal guard duties added a military character to the commemorations. The mausoleum, one of the country’s most important national landmarks, has frequently served as a venue for ceremonies marking important national occasions.
Air Vice Marshal Hassan Faisal reiterated that the country’s armed forces remained committed to their responsibilities and that the Pakistan Air Force was prepared to safeguard Pakistan’s skies.
He also stressed the importance of peace while making clear that Pakistan would continue to protect its national interests and sovereignty.
As Defence and Martyrs’ Day is marked across the country, Pakistanis are remembering those who made sacrifices in the country’s wars and national defence efforts, while ceremonies are being used to reaffirm the values of courage, service and national solidarity.
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