rki.news | Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK) — September 6, 2026: Pakistan’s 61st Defence Day was observed across Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday with special prayers, ceremonies and tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in defence of the country.
The day began with special Fajr prayers in mosques across AJK for the security, stability, progress and prosperity of Pakistan, as well as for the success of the Kashmir freedom movement.
Special ceremonies were held in Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Palandri, Hattiyan, Haveli, Jhelum Valley, Kotli, Bhimber and Neelum Valley to honour the martyrs of the 1965 Indo-Pak war and other conflicts.
In Mirpur, a major ceremony was held at the graves of martyrs of the 1965 and 1971 wars. Senior officials and people from different sections of society visited local graveyards and offered Fateha.
Senior Superintendent of Police Mirpur Khurram Iqbal, Mirpur Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Naeem Akhtar, Prof. Mirza Arshad Jiraal, father of Shaheed Lt. Col. Mirza Imran Arshad Jiraal, Farooq Qureshi, father of martyred AJK Police Sub-Inspector Adnan Farooq Qureshi, along with senior Army and police officers, placed floral wreaths on the graves of the martyrs.
Tributes were also paid to Shaheed Lt. Col. Mirza Imran Arshad Jiraal, Shaheed Sub-Inspector Adnan Farooq Qureshi, Shaheed Naib Subedar Muneer Hussain and other martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the service of Pakistan.
The ceremonies were attended by journalists, lawyers, doctors, social and political activists, retired and serving civil and military officials and other members of civil society.
Special prayer meetings offered Fateha for the martyrs of the 1965 war and other conflicts, including those who sacrificed their lives in the wars of 1948, 1965 and 1971, as well as subsequent military operations. Prayers were also offered for Pakistan’s security, sovereignty, prosperity and defence.
A special Defence Day prayer meeting was hosted by Markazi Anjuman-e-Tajran (Ittehad Group) President Chaudhry Mahmood in coordination with the Kashmir Press Club.
Speaking at the meeting at the Kashmir Press Club, Chaudhry Mahmood, Kashmir Press Club President Syed Abid Hussain Shah, Malik Ishaq and others paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1965 and 1971 wars and those who lost their lives in subsequent conflicts.
The participants also cut a Defence Day cake to commemorate the historic occasion and honour the armed forces for defending the country.
Speakers described Defence Day as a reminder of the courage and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces. They said the day provides an opportunity for the nation to renew its commitment to remain vigilant and prepared to defend the country against any threat.
They also paid tribute to Kashmiri martyrs and expressed support for the Kashmiris’ struggle for their political rights and future.
Speakers said Defence Day also carries significance for Kashmir and reaffirmed solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Similar ceremonies and prayer gatherings were held in other parts of AJK under the auspices of social, political and public organisations. People also visited memorials and graves of martyrs in areas including Jhelum, Gujrat and Rawalpindi and offered prayers for their departed souls.
AJK observes Defence Day of Pakistan with exceptional zeal, fervor;
