rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), Sept. 7: A dignified ceremony was held in Jhelum Valley district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Monday to commemorate Pakistan Defence Day and pay tribute to the martyrs of the nation, particularly members of the armed forces who sacrificed their lives in defence of the country.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the district administration, civil society, educational institutions, students, teachers, traders, lawyers, political and social leaders, local government representatives, religious scholars, media persons and people from various walks of life.
The event began with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem. Students presented national songs expressing patriotism, national unity and devotion to the country. Participants also paid tribute to the martyrs and ghazis of Pakistan.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Jhelum Valley Faisal Mughal, Superintendent of Police Atta-ur-Rehman and other speakers said Sept. 6 remained an important day in Pakistan’s history, recalling the sacrifices made during the 1965 war.
They said Defence Day was not only an occasion to remember the past but also an opportunity to renew the national commitment to protecting Pakistan’s security, sovereignty, stability and development.
The speakers highlighted the courage, discipline, professionalism and sacrifices demonstrated by Pakistan’s armed forces during the 1965 war, while praising the unity and determination shown by the people. They said the spirit of national solidarity remained an example for future generations.
Rich tributes were paid to the martyrs, whose sacrifices, the speakers said, remained a valuable national asset and had helped safeguard Pakistan’s freedom and sovereignty.
Referring to Kashmir, the speakers said people on both sides of the Line of Control maintained strong historical and emotional ties with Pakistan. They also highlighted the sacrifices of people in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for fundamental rights and self-determination.
The speakers reiterated Pakistan’s political, moral and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people and said a peaceful and lasting resolution of the Kashmir dispute was essential for regional stability, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
They urged young people to contribute to national development through education, discipline, hard work, unity and responsible citizenship.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for Pakistan’s security, stability, progress and prosperity, the success of the armed forces and the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs.
