RAWALPINDI: Various government organisations held events on Thursday to celebrate Defence Day.

The Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) held an exhibition of photos of heroes of the 1965 war and organised a play.

RAC Director Waqar Ahmed said the army had made history on Sept 6, while the public also played a vital role along with the armed forces in defeating the enemy.

Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) offered Fatiha for those who had died defending the country, and Managing Director Shaukat Mehmood said young people should be taught the history of Pakistan, how their ancestors made the country and defended it in difficult times.

He said the time had come to use education and modern scientific research to make the country stronger.

Great sacrifices were rendered by the Muslims of the subcontinent for the creation of Pakistan, and the armed forces with the support of the people had defended the homeland despite conspiracies.

The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) also paid tribute to the war heroes of 1965.

Speaking on the occasion, RCCI President Zahid Latif Khan said Defence Day was a reminder of the armed forces’ determination, selflessness and sacrifices they had rendered to defend Pakistan.

He said traders of the twin cities had observed the day with fervour, while markets and malls had been decorated and billboards bearing the images of martyred soldiers had been placed at key locations in the twin cities.

The RCCI also decorated its outer wall with pictures of war heroes. Mr Khan said the economy could only progress with peace in the region, and said he was proud of the law enforcement organisations for bringing peace and security to the country.

Gujar Khan

The first recipient of the Nishan-i-Haider Capt Mohammad Sarwar and Nishan-i-Haider recipient Sawar Mohammad Hussain were remembered at ceremonies at their mazars in the Gujar Khan tehsil.

Murree Station Commander Brig Arshad Mahmood and Sarwar’s grandson Maj Adeel Sarwar were invited as chief guests to the event in Sangori village, where an army contingent accorded a guard of honour and the station commander laid a floral wreath on a monument on behalf of the chief of army staff.

Mr Mahmood paid tribute to the services of the hero of the 1948 war and added that the morale of the army is very high, and it is a seasoned army fighting successfully against terrorism.

Brig Adnan Ahmed Khan, station commander of the 12th Division of the Pakistan Army, laid a wreath at the grave of Sawar Mohammad Hussain in his native village near Jatli, and a guard of honour was also accorded by an army contingent.

During his address, Mr Khan said Hussain was a valiant warrior who caused heavy losses to the enemy army.

On the occasion, MPA Chaudhry Sajid Mahmood paid tribute to the army’s war heroes and said the vigilance and valour of the armed forces would guarantee the peace and progress of the nation.

A number of schoolchildren and people visited the mazars and held a Quran Khwani and special prayers for the souls of the martyrs and their families.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2018