Pakistan marks Defence Day in memory of war with India

Pakistan on Sunday marked the golden jubilee of Defence Day in memory of the martyrs in the Indo-Pak war in 1965.

It was on September 6, 1965, that, after skirmishes that took place between April and September that year between the hostile neighbours.

The 1965 war was the first battle fought post independence. The 17-day-war caused thousands of causalities on both sides and saw the biggest tank battle since World War II.

Although the hostilities ended after a ceasefire was declared following diplomatic intervention by the Soviet Union and USA, both India and Pakistan have claimed victory in the bloody war.

Celebrations for Defence Day started with a 31 gun salute in the federal capital and 21 gun salute in provincial capitals.

After Fajr (early morning) prayers, special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the nation.

Sirens were sounded at 9:29am to herald a nation-wide one-minute silence to pay homage to soldiers who lost their lives in 1965-war. The national anthem was aired on all broadcasting networks in the country.

A Change of Guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Contingents of cadets of Pakistan Air Force Academy Risalpur took over the guard duties at the mausoleum.

Air vice Marshal Asim Zaheer was the chief guest on the occasion.

Later, representatives of three armed services laid floral wreath at the tomb and offered prayers.

Roads and buildings were awash with Pakistani flags and posters of the armed forces, and a series of events, walks, rallies are scheduled to be organized by both government and private organizations.

Pakistan Army arranged a display of their latest weapons including missiles, tanks, guns army aviation, fighter jets, helicopters and many other equipment used by Pakistan Army Engineering Corps.