ISLAMABAD, Sept 6: The defence day was celebrated here on Friday with a resolve to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan.

The day dawned with prayers in all mosques of the country and Army units, Naval establishments and Air Force bases for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Special Dua was offered for the eternal peace of the martyrs, who laid down their lives in defence of the motherland. Special messages of the service chiefs were read out to the troops of Army, Navy and Air Force.

The Hilal-e-Istiqlal was hoisted at Lahore, Sargodha and Sialkot in recognition of the will, courage and perseverance of the people of these cities, who bore the main brunt of the enemy aggression in the 1965 war. Wreath playing ceremonies were held at the graves and monuments of the recipients of Nishan-i-Haider, the country’s highest gallantry award. A large number of people belonging to all shades of life attended the ceremonies to pay homage to the brave sons of the soil.

Traditional defence day events like display of arms and equipment, Fauji Melas and fly past were not held due to prevailing operational environment.

Meanwhile, different TV channels like PTV, ARY and Indus Vision besides Radio Pakistan telecast different programmes in their special transmission to mark the glorious occasion in the country’s defence history.

In Rawalpindi, the district Naizm, Raja Tariq Kiani, laid a floral wreath at the grave of Captain Sarwar Shaheed, Nishan-i-Haider and offered fateha in Sanghori, Gujar Khan.

Later talking to the relatives of the Shaheed, he said: “We are living in a free and independent country due to the sacrifices rendered by these Shuhadaa. He said this was the duty of people to work for the country with devotion and dedication while keeping in mind the sacrifices of Shuhadaa.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Post Office has brought out two commemorative postage stamps on the occasion of defence day on Friday to highlight the crucial role played by the Armed Forces of Pakistan in 1965 war.

The stamps have the pictures of Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz (Shaheed) and Sarwar Muhammad Hussain (Shaheed).

These stamps are available for sale in all the major post offices in the country.—APP