KARACHI: As Defence Day was observed across the province with traditional zeal, the Sindh Assembly on Friday paid rich tributes to the armed forces and expressed deep gratitude to the families of martyrs for their sacrifices for the country.

A thinly-attended house adopted unanimously a joint resolution of treasure and opposition ben­ches in a quick and brief session that started with 35 treasury members and 27 opposition lawmakers.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Zia Lan­jar, who tabled the joint resolution, said that Sept 6 commemorated the historic sacrifice of armed forces for the defence of the motherland.

He said that the armed forces never backed down whenever the country nee­ded their sacrifices, adding that the soldiers were sacrificing their lives even today in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Leader of the Opposi­tion in the Assembly Ali Khurshidi paid rich tributes to the armed forces and said that the nation had always been commemorating Defence Day with fervour.

Jamaat-i-Islami’s lone member in the assembly Muhammad Farooq said that people belonging to all schools of thought had always emerged united on the occasion of Defence Day. “We all should be united for 365 days of the year the way we are united on this day,” he added.

Later, Speaker Syed Awais Shah read over the resolution tabled by Law and Parliamentary Aff­airs Minister Zia Lanjar.

The resolution said: “Whereas, the 6th of September, 2024 marks the Defence Day, a solemn occasion to honour the sacrifices made by our brave armed forces in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and integrity;

“Whereas, the brave Pakistani armed forces have consistently demonstrated unwavering courage, resilience, and dedication in the face of numerous challenges, protecting the nation from external threats and internal terrorism in this regard the sacrifices of our martyrs and the unwavering commitment of our soldiers have been instrumental in shaping Pakistan’s identity as a strong, prosperous and independent nation;

“This House pays heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces who have always laid down their lives defending the nation. This august house also expresses its deep gratitude to the families of the martyrs for their sacrifices and resilience.”

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf-backed Sunni Ittehad Tehreek members were not present in the house when the resolution was tabled and adopted.

Change of guards at Quaid’s mazar

A change-of-guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah on Defence Day.

During the ceremony, an armed squad of the Pakistan Air Force Academy took over the guard duties at Mazar-i-Quaid.

A total of 74 PAF cadets, including 13 women, were posted at the Mazar.

Air Marshal Shehriyar Khan, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, inspected the parade.

Event at Governor House

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori stated that the entire nation stands in full solidarity with the Pakistan Army, martyrs, and veterans.

He emphasized that adversarial forces must witness the unity of the nation under the shadow of the flag.

The governor expressed these sentiments while addressing a Defence Day Commemoration held at Governor House.

A unique stage, representing a significant historical moment, was set up for the event, and families of the martyrs were given VIP treatment. They received a warm welcome on the red carpet, with the Navy band offering a salute. The audience stood in respect as the families arrived, said a press release.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2024