KARACHI: The Pakistan Air Force observed Sept 7 as Martyrs’ Day at all their bases across the country.

The day started with special prayers and Quran Khawani for the martyrs of 1965 and 1971 wars and those who have laid down their lives for Pakistan since its creation.

In Karachi, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the grave of pilot officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, (Nishan-i-Haider). Air Vice Marshal Ghulam Abbas Ghumman, Air Officer Commanding, Southern Air Command, offered Fateha and laid the floral wreath at the grave of the martyred officer on behalf of the chief of the air staff.

Similar wreath-laying ceremonies were held at the graves of PAF martyrs all over the country.

At the Air Headquarters in Islamabad, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, while addressing a ceremony, which was also attended by principal staff officers, officers, airmen and PAF civilians, said that on the memorable and historic day of Sept 7, he along with the entire country paid tribute to all PAF heroes who stood against enemy aggression and reduced its nefarious intentions to dust. “I salute our martyrs and veterans for their determination, courage and spirit of sacrifice as we renew our pledge that we will never allow any harm to our sacred homeland,” he said.

He said that Pakistan’s valiant armed forces were well-versed in protecting borders and people and were fully capable of defeating the enemy. Highlighting the current situation in Kashmir, the air chief said: “We also express our solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters who have been fighting against oppression and tyranny for seven decades.”

The air chief also laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument and offered Fateha.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2020