PESHAWAR: Defence and Martyrs Day was observed in Khyber Pakthunkhwa, including the merged districts, on Friday to remember those, who sacrificed their precious lives for protection of the motherland.

People from different walks of life, including senior citizens, academics, farmers, civil society, human rights activists, military personnel, labourers and mediapersons, showered praise on all the martyrs and ghazis of Pakistan, who rendered matchless sacrifices while fighting against the enemy forces during 1948, 1965 and 1971 wars, 1999 Kargil conflict, and the war against terrorism.

In Peshawar, Pakistan Army organised an exhibition of military equipment and air show, which was inaugurated by Peshawar Corps Commander Lt-Gen Umar Ahmed Bukhari.

Practical demonstrations were also presented, including the display of weapons used by the army’s Infantry, Engineers, Signals, Air Defence and Artillery divisions.

Functions also held in other cities across KP

Gunship Cobra, MI-17 and Mushak aircraft of Army Aviation also conducted practical demonstrations.

Apart from this, demonstrations of artillery fire, infantry assault, mines and fence clearance, anti-terrorist and mixed martial arts were also presented.

Khattak dance, dog show, horse riding and brass band entertained the audience at the event.

In addition to military and civil authorities, a large number of students from schools, colleges and universities, including females, participated in the exhibition.

The participants paid great tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the survival and integrity of the country.

Functions were also held in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts on Friday to mark the Defence and Martyrs Day with national fervour.

On the directives of deputy commissioner Fahad Wazir and district education officer Zahoor Khan, the education department with support of boy scouts’ association held a function on the premises of Government High School No. 2, in Lakki city.

Students and boy scouts sang patriotic songs and highlighted importance of the day in their speeches.

The speakers said armed forces were the symbol of unity and integrity and they offered unprecedented and supreme sacrifices to defend the motherland.

The day was also observed with national spirit in Charsadda district, where events were held to pay tributes to the martyrs for defending the motherland and thwarting the nefarious designs of the enemy forces.

A function was organised at the Bacha Khan University, Charsadda. On the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof Zahid Hussain said the nation would never forget sacrifices of brave soldiers of Pakistan.

A large number of students, faculty members and government functionaries also attended the function.

A function was held in the Kohat District Council Hall to mark the Defence and Martyrs Day.

Deputy commissioner Abdul Kalam, additional deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, additional assistant commissioners, schoolchildren, officials of security forces and others were in attendance.

DC Abdul Kalam said forces’ personnel sacrificed their precious lives to fail the nefarious designs of enemy in the 1965 war.

Children in colourful attires presented tableaus and sang national songs.

Functions were held at the government model higher secondary school, Khar, and government high school, Nawagai, in Bajaur district to mark the day. The 172 Wing of Bajaur Scouts organised the events.

Students performed several items to pay tribute to those who rendered sacrifice of their lives for the defence of the country.

The main event to mark the day in Dera Ismail Khan was organised in the cantonment area, where station commander Brig Amir Hayat was the chief guest.

Military Police commander Brig Abdul Raheem, the deputy commissioner income tax, assistant commissioner Mohammad Faseeh Ishaq Abbasi, SP Tayyab Jan, SP CTD Syed Iftekhar Shah, peace committee chairman Abdul Haleem Qasuria, district education officer Musarrat Hussain Baloch, district health officer Dr Syed Mohammad Mehsud and others were in attendance.

Students of different schools presented tableaus and speeches in connection with the Defence Day. Special prayers were also offered for national solidarity, integrity, prosperity and peace in the country.

Defence and Martyrs Day was also observed in Lower and Upper South Waziristan districts.

The main event was held at Wana Scouts Camp, where Maj-Gen Mehar Umar Khan, IGFC Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (south), visited the martyrs’ memorial, laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha for the departed souls.

Similar events were held in Sararogha, Makin and other areas, including Army Public School, Kaniguram, in Upper South Waziristan.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2024