LAHORE, Sept 1: The nation will celebrate the 38th Defence Day of Pakistan on Sept 6, says an ISPR press release issued here on Wednesday.

The day is celebrated in memory of those who rendered sacrifices to defend geographical borders of the country in the war waged by India in 1965.

The Lahore garrison has chalked out an elaborate programme to mark the day and pay homage to the martyrs of the 1965 war. The day-long celebrations will begin with Quran Khawani and special prayers in the unit mosques.

The day will dawn with flag-hoisting at army institutions, installations, units and formation headquarters of the garrison, including the corps headquarters. Flower wreaths will be laid at the mazaar of Allama Iqbal and special ceremonies at graves and mausoleums of martyrs are an integral part of the Defence Day celebrations.

Special darbars for troops will also be held at the units of Lahore garrison and elsewhere in the country. Another ISPR press release says Corps Commander Lt-Gen Shahid Aziz will host a get-together for the next of kin of martyrs and retired army officers living in Lahore and its surroundings as part of Defence Day celebrations at the Defence Services Officers Mess from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Maj Mohammad Sharif (retired), father of Maj Shabbir Sharif Nishan-i-Haider, will be the chief guest.