RAWALPINDI: A number of functions were organised by the district administration, police, educational institutions and members of the civil society to pay tributes to heroes of the 1965 war on Defence Day on Friday.

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal also visited the house of Capt Kashif Shaheed on the occasion.

Talking to newsmen, Mr Iqbal said September 6 was thedayto pay tributes to the martyrs of the armed forces, Rangers and police, who laid down their lives for thedefenceof the motherland.

“Our youth gave their lives for peace. We are proud of our martyrs and their sacrifices will be remembered for all times to come,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) and Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) brought out separate rallies on Murree Road to express solidarity with the armed forces and to pay tributes to the martyrs of 1965 war. RWMC also organised a rally from RWMC Liaquat Bagh Workshop to Committee Chowk.

A large number of employees from all departments of RWMC and RMC participated in the rally, with participants chanting slogans in support of the army and martyrs. In the end, prayers were also offered for the security and progress of the country. The RWMC also conducted a thorough cleaning operation throughout the city, with workers remaining in the field all day.

On the other hand, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) also celebrated Defence Day by organising an event which was attended by Minister for Privatisation and Communication Abdul Aleem Khan, Azeri Ambassador Khazar Farhadov and others.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Farhadov said his country was well aware of the importance of the armed forcesin the defence of any country, adding that the martyrs and Ghazis deserved utmost respect because of their sacrifices for our today.

He went on to say that in his country the flags of Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkiye always flew together which was a clear manifestation of the close relationship with Pakistan.

Minister for Privatisation Abdul Aleem Khan said the entire nation stood united alongside the country’s armed forces to thwart the “evil designs”, adding that September 6 symbolised immense courage, bravery and professionalism of our armed forces.

He said at a time when the country was confronted with multiple security challenges, in the form of extremism, terrorism and external aggression, we as individuals and as a nation renew our pledge to move forward with unity, solidarity and determination.

ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said September 6 stood as an important milestone in the national history as our armed forces rendered great sacrifices to defend their motherland.

He said a strong economy was very important to make the defence of Pakistan stronger.

“We have to make our country prosperous and developed through collected efforts,” he said, adding that the business community stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces and would continue to do so for the cause of the country.

He impressed upon parents to make their children acquainted with the sacrifices of the armed forces so that they did not fall prey to the hybrid war.

Mr Bakhtawari also expressed his gratitude to the Azeri ambassador for attending the ceremony by saying that both Azerbaijan and Pakistan enjoyed exemplary and long-lasting friendship.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2024