KARACHI, Sept 6: Pakistan’s Defence Day was celebrated with simplicity and austerity, keeping in view the plight of flood-hit people in Sindh caused by heavy rains.

The day started with prayers for the martyrs and solidarity of the country after Nimaz-i-Fajr.

Inter Services wreath laying ceremony was held at the Mazar of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah, where representatives of armed forces laid floral wreath and paid homage to the father of the nation.

Cadets of the Pakistan Air Force took over the guard duties at the Quaid’s mausoleum.

The cadets from Quaid’s own, Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, perform guard duty on December 25, the Quaid’s birthday, while the cadets from the Naval Academy perform the same duty on the Independence Day, whereas the Pakistan Air Force Academy cadets take the duties on the Defence Day.

Commanding officers of ground, sea and air units read out messages from the president and respective services chiefs, highlighting the spirit of 1965 war.

Many political, social and non-governmental organizations arranged special programmes to mark the day, besides various educational institutions, which held events to highlight the importance of the day.—APP