September 7, 2003	Sunday	Rajab 9, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Sept 6: The nation, with the armed forces, celebrated the Defence Day on Saturday with renewed resolve to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.

According to an Inter-Services Public Relations press release issued on Saturday, the day dawned with prayers in all mosques and army units, naval establishments and air force bases for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Prayers was offered for eternal peace to the Shuhada who laid down their lives in defence of the country.

Messages of the services chiefs were read out to the troops.

The Hilal-i-Istaqlal was hoisted in Lahore, Sargodha and Sialkot in recognition of the will, courage and perseverance of the people of those cities, who bore the main brunt of the enemy’s aggression in the 1965 war.

Newspapers arranged supplements highlighting the importance of the day and special programmes were telecast on the Pakistan Television and other TV channels.

Wreath laying ceremonies were held at the mausoleums and monuments of the recipients of the Nishan-i-Haider.

A large number of people attended the ceremonies to pay homage to the sons of soil who demonstrated indomitable courage and valour and sacrificed their lives in the defence of the motherland.

The contingents of the respective regimental centres and units of the martyrs presented salute as a mark of tribute for the epic action of their warriors.