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KARACHI, Sept 6: The Pakistan Navy would rise to the highest standards of professionalism in ensuring an impregnable defence of the motherland.
An assurance to this effect was given by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Abdul Aziz Mirza, in his Order of the Day which was read out by the Commanding Officer of PN Units during special gatherings in connection with the Defence Day of Pakistan.
According to ISPR Navy, Admiral Mirza further said the fast changing geo-political scenario is adding a different dimension to the concept of national defence.
He said maximum stress has to be laid on utilising our indigenous resources for building an effective defence of our motherland.
Pakistan Navy is proud to have evolved a long-term strategy in this regard, he added.
“Humble, we stand today in front of Almighty Allah that He gave us the determination and courage to work steadfastly for developing a modern and strong state-of-the-art defence system for the country by utilising our own resources and skilled manpower”, the Naval Chief further stated.
He said that the Pakistan Navy celebrates the Defence of Pakistan Day to commemorate its bold and courageous operations during the Indo-Pak War of 1965 when PN flotilla despite being numerically inferior to the enemy, wrested the control of North-Arabian Sea ensuring safety of maritime frontiers of the country.
The small Pakistan Navy courageously bombarded sensitive defence installations located at Dwarka on the Kutch-Kathiawar coast.
Meanwhile, the day-long celebrations of Defence Day commenced with the offering
of thanksgiving prayers and Quran Khawani at all Naval mosques.
Wreath-laying ceremony took place at the mausoleum of Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Wreaths were also laid at the memorials of Shuhuda of Pakistan Navy at PN Dockyard and PNS Abdoze to pay tributes to their supreme sacrifices while safeguarding the motherland.
All Naval ships and establishments were decorated and illuminated to mark the day as a great national event.
On this occasion, the Pakis-tan Maritime Museum was opened to general public at half rates.
A large number of people from different parts of the city visited the museum to acquaint themselves with the history of Pakistan Navy.
Different sports events were also held as part of the Defence Day celebrations.
PAF: The Pakistan Air Force celebrated the Defence of Pakistan Day with traditional zeal and fervour at different air bases across the city.
The day started in Karachi with Quran Khawani at various PAF mosques. Special prayers were offered for Shaheeds of the September War.
In the morning, a PAF contingent, led by Air Commodore Tanveer A Sheikh, offered Fateha and laid floral wreath on behalf of the chief of air staff at the grave of Pilot Officer, Rashid Minhas (Shaheed) Nishan-i-Haider to pay homage to the young pilot who sacrificed his life in the defence of motherland, showing exemplary courage and determination.
An impressive guard mounting ceremony took place at the Mazar-i-Quaid in which recently turned-out contingent of cadets from PAF Academy Risalpur took over guard services at the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation to commemorate his visit to the academy 54 years ago.
Air Vice Marshal Abdus Sami Toor, the Air Officer Commanding of PAF Academy, inspected the honour guard and laid a floral wreath at the Mazar.
The ceremony was keenly witnessed by numerous people gathered at the site.
The Defence Day of Pakistan, celebrated by all the three forces, reminds us of the sacrifices of those Shaheeds and Ghazis who with their dauntless courage and gallantry thwarted the evil designs of enemy in 1965 Indo Pak War leaving behind several unforgettable stories of valour and chivalry.
—APP
