By Mashal Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday observed its “Defense and Martyrs Day” in connection with the country's armed forces’ tremendous victory against India in the 1965 war.

The day began with special prayers in mosques for martyrs and, and all celebrations were canceled because of the ongoing devastating flood that hit the South Asian nation.

So far, over 1,300 people lost their lives and thousands of others wounded.

The nation pays tributes to the martyrs and Ghazis and reaffirm its commitment to defend the motherland against all threats, Radio Pakistan reported.

The day dawned with prayers in Army Units, Naval Establishments and Air Force Bases for the progress and prosperity of the country. Special Dua was offered for the  Shuhada, who laid down their lives in defence of the country.

Wreath Laying ceremonies were held at the on the Monuments of the recipients of the Nishan-e-Haider, the country’s, highest gallantry award and other shaheeds, according to a statement, issued by the ISPR. 

Following ceremonies held at different parts of the country. 

Major General Kamran Nazir Malik, laid a floral wreath and offered fateha at monument of Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, the first recipient of the coveted Nishan-e-Haider who embraced Shahadat at Tilpatri (Azad Kashmir) in 1948.

Major General Tabbassum Haris, laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha at the Mazar of Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed, at Tufailabad in Tehsil Arifwala. Major Tufail Muhammad embraced Shahadat at Lakshmi Bridge in East Pakistan in 1958.

Major General Haroon Ishaq Raja, laid a floral wreath at the Grave of Major Raja Aziz Bhatti, Shaheed, in Ladian near Gujrat and offered fateha. Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed embraced Shahdat in 1965 at Burki, Lahore.

Major General Nadeem Ashraf, laid a floral wreath and offered fateha at the monument of Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed at Jhelum. Major Muhammad Akram embraced Shahadat at District Hilli in East Pakistan.

Major General Malik Amir Muhammad Khan, laid a floral wreath and offered fateha at the monument of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed at Lahore. Major Shabbir Shareef Shaheed embraced Shahadat while defending the motherland in 1971.

At Mehfoozabad, old Pind Malkan, Major General Mumtaz Hussain, laid a floral wreath at the monument of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed and offered fateha. Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz embraced Shahadat while defending the motherland at Atari, Wagha border in 1971.

Major General Amjad Ali Khan Khattak, laid a floral wreath at the monument of Sowar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed at Dhoke Muhammad Hussain near Gujar Khan and offered fateha. Sowar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed embraced Shahadat while defending the motherland at Zafarwal Sector in 1971.

Chairman Senate Standing Committee for Defence & Defence Production, Mr Mushahid Hussain Syed alongwith honourable members laid a floral wreath at the monument of Lance Naik Sowar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed and offered fateha. 

Wreath laying ceremony at the monument of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider at Swabi. Major General Muhammad Umer Bashir, laid floral wreath and offered Fateha. Captain Karnal Sher Khan embraced Shahadat while defending the motherland at Gultari Sector 

Major General Jawad Ahmed Qazi, laid floral wreath and offered fateha at the monument of Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed, Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed embraced Shahadat while defending the motherland during Kargil war 

A floral wreath ceremony was held at Nakial Sector to pay homage to Naik Saif Ali Janjua Shaheed, Hilal-e-Kashmir (equivalent to Nishan-e-Haider). Major General Muhammad Irfan Khan, laid a floral wreath and offered fateha.

The contingents of the respective Regimental Centers and Units of the Shuhada presented the salute as a mark of tribute for the epic action of their great warrior.