Pakistan is observing Defence and Martyrs Day in solidarity with the people of Indian occupied Kashmir today.
Legislators, senior officials of the government, armed forces, police and other departments, as well as notables from different walks of life will pay tribute to the martyrs of the nation today. Special prayers would be offered at the Friday congregations for security of the country and IoK.
Final preparations for the different events planned for the occasion across the country were made yesterday.
This year marks the 54th anniversary of the 1965 war with India when the Pakistani forces repelled Indian attacks on Pakistani soil despite being heavily outnumbered. Defence Day is celebrated to pay glowing tribute to the martyrs of that war.
Celebrations kicked-off with a 31-gun salute in memory of the martyrs in capital Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in all the provincial capitals. Offices throughout the country will be closed by 3pm to show solidarity with the Kashmiri people.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that federal and provincial ministers, governors, chief ministers and members of the National and provincial assemblies would visit the families of martyrs throughout the day.
This year, Defence Day is being observed as a day to express solidarity with oppressed people of occupied Kashmir. Prime Minister Imran Khan is also expected to visit the families of martyred soldiers today, suggest reports.
Kashmir solidarity rallies are also planned in different cities to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people facing atrocities of Indian security forces in the occupied valley.
Since August 5, residents of the occupied valley have been living under strict military curfew, after the Indian government scrapped the special constitutional autonomy of the valley. Friday marks the 33rd day of the clampdown in occupied Kashmir.
