Ceremonies, exhibitions, rallies mark Defence Day in Islamabad, AJK

Defence Day was observed throughout Pakistan, including Islamabad, Gujranwala and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where tributes were paid to the martyrs and veterans of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Participants praised the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of these individuals in protecting the nation's sovereignty.

A guard of honour was offered at the grave of Sawar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed, a Nishan-i-Haider recipient from the 1971 war, in Gujar Khan. Major General Ummar Maqbool led the ceremony and laid a wreath on behalf of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. Notable attendees included Raja Jawaid Ikhlas, a former parliamentary secretary and MNA from Gujar Khan, as well as other social and political figures.

A similar guard of honour ceremony was held at the memorial of Captain Sarwar Shaheed, another Nishan-i-Haider recipient from the 1948 war. A grand ceremony was also held for Major Mohammad Akram Shaheed, a hero of the 1971 war. Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq paid tribute to the PAF martyrs and veterans, highlighting the force's performance during the 1965 war and its continued inspiration for future generations.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Defence Day was observed through rallies, exhibitions and other events. In Muzaffarabad, Chaudhry Tariq Farooq and Iftikhar Gillani inaugurated a defence exhibition at Narul Stadium, featuring displays from the Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy, as well as government bodies and civil society organizations. Cultural stalls showcased regional traditions, and rescue personnel demonstrated emergency response capabilities.