Last Updated on September 7, 2026 by YeJahan
YEJAHAN DESK
ISLAMABAD (Sept 6): Pakistan marked Defence & Martyrs Day on Friday with nationwide ceremonies honoring martyred soldiers and veterans, while reiterating its commitment to national security.
The annual event commemorates the September 6, 1965 war, when Pakistani forces repelled an overnight cross-border advance by Indian troops.
The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in all provincial capitals. Following Fajr prayers, mosques hosted special prayers for national prosperity and the independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Commemorative events were also held across Islamabad and other major cities. Families of martyred soldiers, Ghazis, and civilians visited war memorials to to offer fateha for those who sacrificies their lives for the defence of the motherland.
In Lahore, military officials and family members gathered at the grave of Major Shabbir Sharif (Shaheed). A recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a guard of honor presented by a Pakistan Army contingent initiated the ceremony.
Major General Rao Imran Sartaj laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, after which attendees offered Fateha.
