A float carrying Army Public School students takes part in a Defence Day event at Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Stadium, Peshawar, on Sunday. —White Star

PESHAWAR: Different institutions and organisations held separate events in various areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata on Sunday to mark the 50th Defence Day with national zeal and pay homage to the martyrs of Sept 6, 1965 war.

In Peshawar, the main event was held at Karnal Sher Khan Stadium. Aviation fly-past and aerobatics remained the main attraction of the event. The spectators appreciated the expertise of the pilots and enjoyed the show.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Peshawar Corps Commander Let Gen Khalid Rabbani. A large number of citizens including students attended the event and took keen interest in the weapons and other armouries. The performance of local folk dances enthralled the audience.

Also, PTI disgruntled MPA Javed Naseem led a rally from Peshawar city to press club. Carrying national flags, the participants of the rally raised slogans in favour of their homeland and expressed solidarity with armed forces.

Similarly, Jamaat-ud Dawa took out a procession from Fawara Chowk to mark the day. Led by Haji Mohammad Iqbal, the participants of the rally marched through different bazaars and reached the press club.

The Defence Day was also observed in University of Peshawar (UoP). The daylong events, jointly organised jointly by UoP and its sister universities in Peshawar, started from a spirited display of national fervour outside the Convocation Hall where the national flag was hoisted.

One minute silence was observed on 9:29am after which a police band presented national anthem and songs.

PAF presents an air show. —White Star

A solidarity walk was held to pay homage to the martyrs of 1965 war that was attended by hundreds of students and staff of universities. The walk was led by UoP Vice-chancellor Dr Mohammad Rasul Jan, Agricultural University Vice-chancellor Dr Zahoor Swati, Islamia College University Vice-chancellor Ajmal Khan, IM Sciences Director Dr Mohsin and Sarhad University Vice-chancellor Dr Salimur Rehman.

In Kohat, army organised a gala at the Church Ground to observe the Defence Day. Thousands of women and children enjoyed food at the stalls and national songs besides taking interest in display of different kinds of weapons.

In Swat, scouts, students and civil society members paid tributes to the martyrs of 1965 war. In this connection, a function was organised by Swat Scouts Open Group (SSOG) in Khpal Kor Foundation’s auditorium which was attended by young scouts, students, army officers and civil society members.

In Batkhela, army and Levies personnel presented guard of honour and laid floral wreath on the Yadgar-i-Shuhada at Malakand Fort to mark Defence Day.

In Swabi, army soldiers presented guard of honour at the mausoleum of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed and leaders of various political parities addressed the rabita programme of Ghandhara Union of Journalists to mark Defence Day.

The Defence Day was also observed in other districts and tribal regions including Mohmand Agency, Bajaur Agency, Lakki Marwat, Chitral, Dir Lower, Charsadda and Karak. Army and other institutions held different events to mark the day. A large number of people attended these events with national zeal and fervour to pay tributes to the martyrs of 1965 war, fought against India.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2015

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