Defence Day to be Observed on Sept 6 to Pay Tributes to Shuhada, Ghazis
Defence and Martyrs Day will be observed across the country on Sept 6 (Sunday) to pay tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis and reaffirm the nation’s resolve to defend the motherland against all threats.
This day commemorates September 6, 1965, when Indian forces launched an attack on Pakistan under the cover of darkness. The Pakistani armed forces, backed by the nation, repelled the aggression and thwarted the enemy’s designs.
Recognizing Sacrifices
The day is marked in recognition of the sacrifices and bravery of personnel from:
- Pakistan Army
- Air Force
- Navy
- Rangers
- Frontier Corps
- Police
- Other law-enforcement agencies
who have laid down their lives in defence of the country.
Lt-Gen (retd) Naeem Khalid Lodhi recalled the role of Pakistani forces and the people of Sialkot in repulsing the Indian offensive at Chawinda during the 1965 war. He highlighted the battle's significance as one of the largest tank engagements since World War II.
He also paid tribute to Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, who led his troops under intense enemy fire for five days in the Burki sector before embracing martyrdom while defending the homeland.
Retired officer Ali Shuja emphasized the nation's security and independence owed to the sacrifices of martyrs from the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies. He described their sacrifices and services as a national asset and a source of pride.
PPP MNA Sehar Kamran, in her message, praised the armed forces, especially the Pakistan Air Force, for their response during the May 2025 military confrontation with India.
Observance
Defence Day has traditionally served as a reminder of the unity demonstrated by the Pakistani nation during times of conflict and the sacrifices made by those who defended the country.
The day will be observed with:
- Special prayers for the country’s prosperity.
- Recognition of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
- Fateha and Quran Khawani for the martyrs.
- Commemorative ceremonies at memorials across the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Ceremonies will begin with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals.
The observance will reaffirm the nation’s commitment to remembering the sacrifices of its martyrs and Ghazis and maintaining national unity in the face of internal and external challenges.