QUETTA, Sept 6: The Defence Day of Pakistan was celebrated in Balochistan with traditional zeal and national fervour on Monday. The day-long celebrations began with special prayers in mosques for the integrity, progress and prosperity of the country.

All important buildings were illuminated with colourful lights while the national flags were hoisted on the main buildings to mark the Defence Day. Messages of Vice-Chief of Army Staff Gen Mohammad Yousaf Khan and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat were also read out at special 'Darbars' and after the review parade held at garrisons and PAF base Samungli.

The day was also celebrated with great enthusiasm in Quetta Garrison where all ranks displayed their reiteration by moving to dispersal areas from the garrison with their equipment in combat dress.

Notables of various tribes including Nawab Mehboob Khan Jogezai, Dr Malik Kasi, Nawab Mohammad Ali Jogezai, Sheikh Aziz, MPA Mohammad Jan Jamali, Dr Zafar Khan Marri, Mohammad Ashraf Nasir and Nasrullah Khan Kakar also joined Maj-Gen Mohammad Alam Khattak in Quetta to celebrate the day. For the public mass-band display by pipers and military bands were also held at Askari Park and Bolan Shopping Complex in Quetta.